"Remember Who The Real Enemy Is."
Have you ever watched the Hunger Games movies? (I recommend reading the books first, but the movies are good, too.)
I have recently thought about a few scenes lately as I have started a Bible study on the armor of God.
Katniss is about to enter the arena for her second Hunger Games, when Katniss’ mentor, Haymitch, reminds her, “Katniss, when you are in the arena, remember who the real enemy is.”
Then, again, while in the arena, Finnick, her ally, reminds Katniss to, “Remember who the real enemy is.”
You see, Katniss was being warned to remember the gamemakers were at play with her life and those who were her allies and friends. She was a danger to the Capitol and President Snow because of what she stood for and believed in, what she represented. The game makers were doing everything in their power to stop her; manipulating situations to make it difficult for her to survive.
So who is the real enemy in our lives?
Paul tells us,
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the power of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm.”-Ephesians 6:12 NIV
Think about the most difficult problem, person, or circumstance in your life right now. Although you may be “waging war” against this scenario or person, the devil is waging war against you spiritually because of this. The devil is the real enemy.
Are some ugly behaviors and characteristics popping up more and more in your own life? I don’t doubt it! The enemy wants to physically, emotionally, mentally, and financially rattle you. He attacks your passion, your focus, your calling, your identity, your relationships, your contentment, and so many other areas in your life, oftentimes without us even seeing it.
Priscila Shirer, who has written a study entitled ‘The Armor of God,’ points out we as Christians can make two different mistakes regarding the devil. We either overestimate his impact in our lives, causing extreme fear and anxiety regarding his effects, or we underestimate him and disregard his impact in our lives.
One thing we know about Satan, he is deceitful and sly. He is clever and 2 Corinthians 11:14 warns us,
“And no wonder! For Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.”- 2 Corinthians 11:14
But there is good news! We have power and strength over the enemy, but we must be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might and put on the full armor of God so we can stand against the devil’s schemes (Ephesians 6:10-11). The devil has already been defeated, but he wants to weaken us and break our relationship with God, because he knows God provides us with this strength and power.
Maybe you have not experienced any type of strife in your life recently. That’s great!
But I must warn you, do not be lulled into a false sense of security. I feel this is the way the devil entices me. I may not have certain people or circumstances that are causing issues in my life, but some days I feel distracted or tired. I just don’t want to prioritize my relationship with God on certain days, and just need a “day off.” Guess what? The enemy does not take a day off. On my day off, he continues to plot. While I am being passive in my faith, the devil is at work. On the days I feel like this, this is when I must “put on the full armor of God so we can stand against the devil’s schemes” so I will “not give the devil a foothold” (Ephesians 4:27).
We need to put on the spiritual armor of God. One of the key components of that armor is prayer. I recently wrote an article concerning prayer, which you can find here.
Just like Katniss, you are a danger to the devil because of what you stand for, believe in, and represent. I encourage you to look inwardly right now and see what areas of your life feel under attack. If you are unsure, ask God for guidance. After reading this, bring these things to God in prayer and even write them down so you can continue to pray for them. Ask the Lord to give you the power and strength over the enemy through Him. Most importantly, do not forget who the real enemy is.
And may the odds be ever in your favor.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Whitney can be described by the opening lyrics of a few Tom Petty songs. She's a good girl who grew up in a small Indiana town who loves her mama, Jesus, and America too. She practices medicine as a physician assistant at an urgent care. Whitney is a music enthusiast and leads worship at her church. She has a heart for people, and wants to help young girls and women find their worth in Christ rather than what the world says of them. Whitney loves a good dad joke, the outdoors, spending time with family and friends, Southern manners, working on her fitness, attempting Pinterest crafts, and cheering on Indiana University basketball.