A Fourfold Plan

            “A common enemy and a common cause brought four different groups together to stop the work on the walls of Jerusalem,” says Warren Wiersbe in his commentary, Be Determined, p. 63

            To understand the gravity of the situation you have to experience being surrounded on all sides by enemies who are armed to the teeth to destroy you.  That is exactly what Satan endeavors to do in order to intimidate believers into making bad decisions.  Fear will often cause you to act impetuously.  A good example is the Apostle Peter warming himself by the fire in the camp of the enemy.  Out of fear and intimidation he denied the Lord three times, swearing and cursing that he never even knew him.  Then the cock crowed!

            Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the men of Ashdod plotted together to make a secret attack against the builders of the wall.  Because of his diligence, Nehemiah learned of their secret plot and immediately prayed to God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat. 

            What steps can you and I take to ensure victory when the enemy plots against us with his army of deceivers and adversaries?  Spiritual warfare is an ongoing battle of good versus evil, and God has not left us defenseless in this struggle.  God has provided offensive and defensive weapons for us to utilize.

            First, we are to claim the victory because it has already been won.  (1 Cor. 15:57 – “But thanks be to God!  He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  (NKV)

            Second, he has provided us with body armor to turn aside the fiery darts of the evil one. (Ephesians 6:10-18). 

            Third, we hold the high ground by being seated with Christ in heavenly places.  (Ephesians 2:6)

            Fourth, we are told to be prayer warriors in the battle for the truth. (Philippians 4:6)I

            Nehemiah took advantage of the spiritual and physical weapons at his disposal, and we should do likewise.  By standing firm daily clothed in the righteousness of Christ and fully yielded to the Holy Spirit, Satan cannot touch or defeat us. 

            Are you prepared for the battle?

Thought for the Day: God’s weaponry is available to all Christians.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help each one of us claim the victory that has already been won through the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

To do: Make a list of all the weapons God has provided for you.