Dear Church Family –
This morning I had a conversation with a man whose son is doing quite well in college wrestling. I smiled because just moments before I had read, “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).
It got me thinking, what is it about wrestling that caused God to use that imagery to describe our struggle with Satan, and evil, and temptation?
Wrestling is very personal.
Wrestling is a matter of leverage. The leverage we have against Satan is Scripture and our faith in Christ. “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (Jam 4:7) The leverage Satan has against us is what we give him. “…do not give the devil an opportunity.” (Eph 4:27)
Wrestling involves getting your opponent down and keeping them down. Other sports are about making goals, wrestling is about getting the opponent down. “…a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again, but the wicked stumble in time of calamity. (Prov 24:16)
I’m feeling encouraged today. I hope you are as well. I hope Satan hasn’t gotten you down, discouraged, or disillusioned.
If you are down, here’s something else I read this morning: 10 Promises from God to Lift Your Spirits. (Amber Lia – familychristian.com)
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)
“Great peace have those who love Your law; nothing can make them stumble.” (Psalm 119:165)
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” (Psalm 84:11)
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5)
“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3)
Keep wrestling! – Pastor Tim