Throw the First PunchSample

I was on a walk with my husband, Todd, and we were planning a getaway for just the two of us. Although the conversation started with the right intention, before long we were irritated with each other, disagreeing on where to go, how much to spend, how long to be away. . . . We walked for a while in silence until Todd had the wisdom to ask, “What do you think the Enemy wants to happen here?”

Although in that moment I still wanted to win the argument, and I didn’t want to go anywhere with Todd, I knew he was asking the right question. Underneath all my big feelings and selfish thinking, the truth is I would rather work with Todd against an enemy who didn’t want us to connect, or rest, or dream than work against Todd for the Enemy.

We can partner with God to see regrowth and rebuilding, or our sin nature can partner with the Enemy, and without wanting it, we can propel forward the goals of the Devil. Paul wrote, “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Eph. 6:11–12).

In 1 Peter, we read about an enemy roaring around like a lion, wanting to devour us. I believe the lion is circling, and I want to take a stand. I am tired of the teaching that says to put on the armor and wait for the Devil to come to you. What if we decided to go after him and punch him first?

God has invited His people to partner with Him ever since Genesis. Sometimes that is building a kingdom of heaven here on earth, and sometimes it’s collaborating with God to destroy the Devil’s work. I don’t have to sit around and be frustrated about the state of the world, or the struggle I have with a particular sin. I am biblically encouraged to dismantle what the Devil is constructing around me. Since all work by God—restoration, reconciliation, redemption, rescue, and repair—is opposed by our spiritual enemy, I can imagine with stunning accuracy the Devil’s agenda.

Instead of restoration, he wants destruction. Instead of reconciliation, he wants us to remain in conflict. Instead of redemption, he wants us to experience shame; instead of rescue, he wants us lost; and instead of repair, he wants us to feel permanently broken.

The Enemy will tell stories through our lives. When we don’t put up a fight, and instead hand our sin nature over to him, he’ll use it against us. There is much that factors into how we think, feel, and act—our past experiences, generational sin, spiritual discipline, temperament, accountability ... We can learn to see beyond what is unfolding around us and train for the spiritual combat we are invited to engage in.

Everything is spiritual, so what’s a situation you are facing right now, and what do you imagine the Enemy really wants? How could you make a spiritually offensive move?

About a quarter of everything Jesus talked about in Scripture had to do with spiritual warfare. He knows how much it impacts our lives and is pleased when we willingly engage with Him in battle. The most powerful spiritual step I can take is to walk into every room and ask, What would the Enemy want to happen here? What’s his agenda?

God, teach me to have eyes to see that what’s happening around me is spiritual. I want to come to You with my questions and to be led by You. Show me the spiritual power You designed for me to wield in Your name. I am Your child and student. Amen.