Coping with the Fiery Darts of the Enemy

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand… above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

Ephesians 6:13, 16 NKJV

The enemy seems to have a never-ending handful of fiery darts that he continuously throws at the saints. He knows what tripped you up in the past, and he aims at the vulnerable parts of your heart. We can be vulnerable to those darts when we’ve been in the battle a long time. As strange as it seems, we may also be vulnerable to those darts after a time of incredible victory. Both of these situations, and the many other times of vulnerability in between, underscore the importance of continuing to share our hearts with the Lord in complete surrender.

Elijah was a mighty prophet of God, yet he was susceptible to those fiery darts. In 1 Kings 18, he experienced a mighty victory against the prophets of Baal. He saw the Lord use heavenly fire to supernaturally consume a sacrifice drenched in water. Yet, immediately after that incredible victory, he fell prey to Jessabelle’s threats [1 Kings 19]. Elijah ran and hid himself in a cave. The Lord didn’t leave him to himself. God supernaturally provided nourishment for a journey lasting 40 days and 40 nights. As Elijah was utterly exhausted and hiding in a cave, the Lord reached out to him and invited him to share his heart. “What are you doing here Elijah?” [1 Kings 19:9]. Elijah responded by honestly telling the Lord what was causing him to panic and hide. God’s response was interesting. He seemed to say, “Okay, but what are you doing here, Elijah?” In other words, “Why aren’t you coming to Me for help?” The Lord was reminding him of the invitation to share his heart, his needs, his fears, with Him. After meeting with the Lord and hearing His intimate, soft voice [1 Kings 19:13], the Lord gave Elijah strength to fulfill His next assignment. Elijah rose up and continued walking with the Lord.

Are you tired and worn out? Are you discouraged in your recovery or your calling? Reconciliation Ministries is here to help. We’re here to listen without judgement. We’re here to walk with you to Jesus and help you share your heart with Him. You can receive healing and strength. Call us today at 586.739.5114. Don’t give up. You have great value.

If you’re experiencing the Lord’s strength, you can help your brothers and sisters receive hope and healing through the power of Jesus Christ. Your prayers and tax-deductible donations to Reconciliation Ministries can touch the hearts of people in need. Please donate today using the form included in this newsletter, or online at http://recmin.org/donate. Please remember Reconciliation Ministries in your year-end giving. Your prayers and financial gifts make an eternal difference.

Don't Surrender Your Armor

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 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.
Ephesians 6:10-12 NIV

During a recent counseling session with a brother in Christ who was struggling with sexual sin, the Lord brought a blunt reality to our hearts. Not only does engaging in sexual sin necessitate him to take off his physical clothes, it also necessitates him to take off the armor of God, the weapons of his warfare that empower him to stand against the devil’s schemes. That brought a stunning realization of our total vulnerability when we make the choice to take off the armor of God and willingly engage in any type of sin. We make the choice to stand defenseless against the enemy of our souls.

The Apostle Paul realized the dilemma that he was in when he wrote, “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” [Romans 7:24-25a] Jesus Christ is our only answer. 1 John 1: 9 reads, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” There are times when the Lord works directly in our hearts through a one on one encounter in His presence. There are other times when He works through our brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ as they “lower us through the roof to the feet of Jesus” [Mark 2.1-5]. There are times when the Holy Spirit calls us to “confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” [James 5:16] As we open our hearts to the Holy Spirit in one on one encounters with Him, and confess our sins to each other and pray for each other, we become cleansed and freed from our habitual sin. We put on the armor of God and become empowered to stand against the devil’s schemes.