Overcoming the Attack of the Enemy

We see in the Bible that God's people are often attacked for their faith in God.  It started when Cain killed Able and continues still today.   We see examples of Esther who God used to save the Jewish people when Haman tried to have them all killed.   Daniel who would rather face a den of lions than to deny God's precepts.  And the three Hebrew Children who refused to bow.    To overcome the attack of the enemy first  you have to have a stance.  Our convictions are what make us worthy to suffer persecution for the sake of our Lord.   If we do not have convictions than we have no character.  People who do not live by conviction are people who live by popular demand.  The reason that this world is in such a mess right now is that we have politicians and leaders around the world that are devoid of true convictions.   Instead of governing by the convictions of their hearts, they simply do and say whatever they need to say and do to hold office.   This is the blind leading the blind.    Without convictions we are like the man who built his house upon the sifting sands of the opinions of man.  When problems and trials came that house fell, because it was built on sifting sands.  God's Word does not change.  When we build convictions into our lives and live by those convictions we are building our life upon the solid rock.   When  you live by your convictions your life is solid.

Ephesians 6:13 Therefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Having heart felt convictions is where you start, then you must put on the armor of God.  What  makes up the armor?   Truth, Faith, Salvation, Righteousness, Gospel of Peace.    Our weapons are not carnal, but they are mighty to the pulling down of strongholds.   Why do we take our stand?  Because it is truth and we stand for the truth in spite of those who do not stand for it.   We take our stand because of our faith, we have faith that God is with us and enabling us to stand.  We stand on our convictions for the sake of salvation and righteousness.  These two alone are great reasons to take a stand.   We are salt and light to this world.   This world has no idea how bad this planet would be without those who are taking a stand for salvation and righteousness, for without these two things this world is a cold dark place to live.   And finally we take our stand for the Gospel of Peace.  Our mission is to speak the truth in love.

No matter what the world is doing or saying we do not live by  popular opinions or fads because our desire it to please the Father, we do not have a desire to please this world anyway.  I am reminded of elementary school when we used to have track and field day.  One of the events was team tug-a-war.  We would line up and pull on the rope, and we used the biggest guy in the back to tie the rope around as an anchor.  If that rope was around him and he was pulling back unmovable, unshakable, we knew that we were in good shape.  But once the anchor man began to lose footing and give way it was just a matter of time before we all gave way and it was over.    We must take our stand against the evil of our day, and hold our ground because we are salt and light.  We are the anchor men who keeps us secure as we wrap the armor of God around us and take our stand for righteousness and salvation.  Do not give up the fight but stand fast on your convictions, you never know who else may fall if you begin to lose your footing and slip.