Winning Over Your Invisible Enemy

On assignment in Afghanistan for the Edmonton Journal, Graham Thomson wrote a report in the August 16, 2008 edition entitled “FIGHTING AN INVISIBLE ENEMY”. It reminded me of the ultimate real enemy that seeks to destroy us and oppose the will of God for us. Yes, each person has a responsibility for the sin and evil which they commit. But, the Bible reminds us that behind all these evil words and actions of people is the unseen invisible rank of evil spirits, fallen angels who obey Satan and seek to lead us into all kinds of sin.

“For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12, NLT)

“Rulers”, “authorities”, and “powers” refer to different ranks of evil beings. Therefore, I was very intrigued to read from another source about 3 ranks of enemy in the present war in Afghanistan. First there are the hard-core Taliban who are 100% dedicated to destroying our soldiers and anyone else who hinders the return of full Taliban rule. Second, there are the “civilian persons who hate foreigners, the present Afghan government, and authorities in general. They are easily recruited for specific destroying acts but are not totally supportive of the Taliban. Third, there are those from the regular population who are bribed into committing acts of violence but who easily and quickly retreat into regular civilian life and wear clothing of the common people. This last group has little or no commitment to the Taliban, However, our own soldiers and regular Afghan forces cannot always tell who they are fighting and where to find them until they suddenly commit a violent act. They are like an invisible enemy until it is sometimes too late — the damage has been done.

That is why the Bible also warns us to always be on spiritual alert and to fervently pray with the help of the Holy Spirit of God and by clothing ourselves with all of God’s “armor”. Even as I went on-line to check e-mail prior to typing this message, the invisible enemy was seeking to distract me with unsolicited advertisements. The dangers of this invisible enemy are everywhere in this world. But, through Jesus, our Savior, we can win in practice over everything that our Enemy and his evil assistants can throw at us!

I urge you to join me in closing spiritual ranks against this invisible enemy who will someday soon be banished by our God forever.

“Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere.” (Ephesians 6:18, NLT