We are not wrestling with flesh and blood

Be well-balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking some to seize upon and devour. 1 Peter 5:8 AMP

Sunday morning, as often happens, the enemy, was roaming around our family, with one clear purpose in mind. He had come to steal away the opportunity for our family to go to church in unity, hear God's word and be changed both as individuals and as a family.

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). John 10:10 AMP

It was one of those mornings, when you look around and say to yourself, 'How did this happen? How did such havoc erupt so suddenly in our marriage and our family?'  Had we fallen 'asleep' and forgotten to watch and pray?

All of you must keep awake (give strict attention, be cautious and active) and watch and pray, that you may not come into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41 AMP

Yes, we had forgotten that there is a spiritual battle in play for our hearts and minds. 

For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against despotisms, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.  Ephesians 6:12 AMP

We had forgotten that there was someone who didn't want us to go to church that morning. There was someone who didn't want us to go to church that morning as a unified family. And we had fallen into the trap.  Thankfully, by God's grace we climbed out of the trap.

When half of the family arrived at church, I took a quiet moment to speak with God, ask forgiveness for my weakness, words and ask for restoration. And that somehow, some way, we could be a unified family at church today.

So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you. Come close to God and He will come close to you. [Recognize that you are] sinners, get your soiled hands clean; [realize that you have been disloyal] wavering individuals with divided interests, and purify your hearts [of your spiritual adultery]. James 4:7-8 AMP

Within 15 minutes, guess what? We were all there, at church, unified, supporting and encouraging each other. What's more that church service, and the subsequent night service at a friends church, both had a profound impact on every member of our family. Each of us, including the youngest (who spoke about church for 'news' at school the next day), heard from God and was greatly encouraged in their prayer life. We stood together as a family and laid hands on Victoria, thanking God, in faith, for her healing. It was a day that we will not forget for a long time, for all the right reasons. A day that God so clearly bought beauty from ashes.

To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion - to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit - that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. Isaiah 61:3 AMP

That night, as I went to sleep, all I could say was, Thank you God for your faithfulness, for never leaving us or forsaking us. Thank you for bringing us through and growing us all.

[God] disarmed the principalities and powers that ranged against us and made a bold display and public example of them, in triumphing over them in Him and in it [the cross]. Colossians 2:15 AMP

Question for today, are your feeling like you are in the midst of a battle? There is a spiritual battle going on for your heart and mind. But when we are in Jesus, we are on the winning side. Let's be alert, cautious, humble ourselves and stick with Him, and remember we are not wrestling with flesh and blood.

Then I heard a strong (loud) voice in heaven, saying, Now it has come - the salvation and the power and the kingdom (the dominion, the reign) of our God, and the power (the sovereignty, the authority) of His Christ (the Messiah); for the accuser of our brethren, he who keeps bringing before our God charges against them day and night, has been cast out! 

And they have overcome (conquered) him by means of the blood of the Lamb and by the utterance of their testimony, for they did not love and cling to life even when faced with death [holding their lives cheap till they had to die for their witnessing]. Revelations 12:10-11 AMP