The Beloved Pastor's WifeEgzanp

Fighting the Enemy

Ephesians 6:12 says, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Moreover, 1 Peter 5:8 tells us that the enemy is at work. He is roaming around like a roaring lion. As a Pastor’s wife, I am a target for the enemy, maybe more than anyone else! He will try to use me to destroy the pastor, my family, or even the church, the Body of Christ. When you know your enemy, you know who you're fighting and how you can fight. So who are my enemies?

• Myself (the flesh, the old sin nature). I can be the enemy of myself. For the flesh sets its desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. This can happen through projections, worry, doubts, and so much more. For me to be protected from myself, I must be in tune with God by fellowshipping with Him through his word and in prayer (Galatians 5:17).
• The world system; the pressures of keeping up with appearances; demands and expectations from church members; and more. There is always a temptation to start focusing on making people happy rather than relying on what God is saying. James 4:4 says whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 1 John 2:15–17 tells us not to love the world and things in it. They pass away, but the one who does the Will of God abides forever.
• Satan and his demons. One thing to learn about this enemy is that his target may not be just you alone. It can be something big, with the intent to destroy the entire church, people’s capacity to receive the goodness of the Lord, or your family. Be very, very careful by clinging to the Lord, putting on the whole armor of God, staying in the Word, and praying at all times so that you can extinguish the flaming arrows of the enemy with the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:13–18).

To the Pastor’s wife: Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of a sober mind. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast. To Him be the power for ever and ever. Amen (1 Peter 5:6–10).