There are times in my life when I feel surrounded by the enemy and I wonder why God would allow him to be so viciously close.

The enemy only comes “to kill, steal and destroy.” (John 10:10).  1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”  

We should not be shocked by the enemy’s tactics, though I have to admit that I am always surprised at the level of cruelty and hate that he does exhibit toward mankind.

It is ghastly to imagine that he hates us so much that he is willing to threaten even our beautiful children–these children whom we love so much, our children into whose eyes we look and see our hope for future generations.  He hates them and he is willing to destroy them.

He was willing to have the children killed to try to stop Moses in Goshen down in Egypt. He was willing to destroy all the male babies in Bethlehem when Christ was born.  He put into action a plan and legalized as a human right to kill any unborn child in our generation and called it abortion.

We have to realize that our warfare is not with one another—although at times it does seem to be.  According to scripture, our warfare is not according to the flesh. Ephesians 6:12 says, “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.”  

We have to focus our energy on spiritual warfare. The people in front of us are merely vessels for good or for evil.  If we focus our energy on man, the enemy wins every time.

Jesus, going to the cross, did not worry about the insults and mockings, nor his bleeding and torn flesh. At this point in his journey he understood the victory before him on the cross.  He understood that his battle wasn’t against man but against the rulers and the powers of this dark world, the same powers that have been in control for all of time.

A man or woman may come and go, but the same powers of darkness continue to try and rule.  They just leave one man and move to the next.  When one man falls by darkness there are others to take his place.

Jesus gave up his right to self-defense and placed his very well-being into the hands of a loving God.  His body was destroyed, but the greatest victory was won for all mankind.

When Jesus shed his blood on the cross, he won a victory over darkness.  We now have an advocate in heaven who will come to our aid.  The blood of Jesus and the grace of God have made us free from sin.

Not only are we free from sin, but now we can be completely made whole in body, soul and spirit.  God’s redeeming work has begun in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Lord is not blind to the enemy’s plan for our lives.  He is just not that concerned about it.  He cares when we have been maligned, abused and mistreated, but he also knows the outcome and our eternal destination in Christ Jesus.  2 Corinthians 4:17 says, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”

Focus on Christ.  Keep your gaze on the Lord of glory.  Forget about your troubles and remember to put Christ first in everything.  The enemy will try to divert your attention. Sadly, there are those who have allowed him to get them off of the path, but those who continue steadfast till the end will inherit a crown of glory.

You are able to do all things through Christ who strengthens you.  You will reach your destiny. Yes, you have an enemy, but he is a defeated enemy. Praise God!