Conquering Evil

Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. (Romans 12:21 NLT)

I love action movies, I enjoy watching the good guy kicking the bad guy’s butt and winning. So maybe that’s part of the reason I joined the Army after college, I wanted to do something really great (this was after Desert Storm and before 9/11).  To this day, I struggle with regret and envy that I never got any combat time in (after my husband and I got out of the Army, he has spent the last 5 years working in war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan).  

I've  recently felt encouraged that my desires to conquer evil (aka the ultimate bad guy) can still be done here, without going into the foreign war zones.  After all, we are each taking part in a continuing spiritual war, so maybe I won’t be able to go into combat in full battle rattle (that means dressed in all your military armor) but I can put on the full Armor of God.

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.  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.  Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. (Ephesians 6:10-13 NLT)

The spiritual battles that we go through as Christians might not be as physically dangerous as a military firefight, but they are extremely important and strategic in claiming victory in our lives. We have to decide in advance, will we let the next battle we are in, strengthen us or weaken us. The choice is ours, a person doesn’t go into battle without his armor or weapons, so why would we try to fight a spiritual battle without ours?  

Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.   For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.  Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. (Ephesians 6:14-18 NLT)

When we remain prepared and vigilant, we will always be victorious in our battles! So keep your guard up and keep your focus on the Lord.

And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us!” (1 Samuel 17:47 NLT)