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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: EERIE (07/28/16)
Just about every tale written has a villain, an enemy, an antagonist to the story. We might also say the same about certain people or situations in our lives. Perhaps we are in the midst of a conflict with a family member, a coworker, someone we were once in a relationship with or, perhaps the conflict involves a situation such as a job, a marriage, etc. As we deal with those situations, we may view those involved as the “villain” or our enemy. In the Bible, the apostle Paul helps adjust our attitude towards those people and/or situations by reminding us that our fight really isn't against man but against the forces of evil.
“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12 (NLT)
Paul goes on to tell us how to fight against such an enemy:
“Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with Truth, and having put on the breastplate of Righteousness, and having shot your feet with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of Faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the Helmet of Salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:13-17 (NLT)

In a commentary by Matthew Henry, he states, “To the Christian armed for defense in battle, the apostle recommends only one weapon of attack; but it is enough, the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. It subdues and mortifies evil desires and blasphemous thoughts as they rise within; and answers unbelief and error as they assault from without. A single text, well understood, and rightly applied, at once destroys a temptation or an objection, and subdues the most formidable adversary.”
When Jesus was in the wilderness and tempted by Satan, Jesus was not only able to resist the darkness, but Jesus also used the Word of God to send the devil fleeing.
“Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him” Matthew 4:8-11 (NIV)
Paul, himself, endured many trials and tribulations and knew that, as Christians, we too, would be tempted and tried and would need to prepare ourselves appropriately for such times.
My greatest temptations come in the way of wanting to handle a situation a certain way and/or reacting to a person or situation in a way that I know is not pleasing or glorifying to God. I have a difficult time stepping back and remembering that my fight is NOT with that person, but with that voice in my head telling me to say or do something that I know isn’t right. And, although, emotionally, it may feel good for a second or two, in the end, it almost always ends up making the situation worse.
However, when I listen or give in to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, as opposed to the “other voice,” and I stop and pray about the situation, meditate on God’s word, “take up my armor,” so to speak, I can see things from a whole new perspective. This, I have found, is a difficult thing to do. It takes a lot of practice and it takes me regularly putting on that armor. For, when I don’t do so, I realize that it is then that I am at my weakest. I am vulnerable and unable to withstand Satan’s attacks. I am then left wandering around the wilderness blindly and I need my Savior’s light to help guide me and to help me fight the real enemy; the darkness.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” John 1:5(NLT)
“When I have a wrong attitude, I look at life humanly. When I have a right attitude, I look at life divinely.” Charles R. Swindoll
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Joy Bach 
08/04/16
Just for future reference, you need to leave some white space. This is harder to read. But you put a lot of work into it. Keep up the good work.
Larry Whittington
08/05/16
I did not feel that your opening was strong enough or as well connected to the body of your material.

I did like your Bible references and how you pointed out that god's word has a solution for every situation. Not that is eerie.