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Behind Enemy Lines // Wednesday E-Devotion

“Be on guard. Stand true to what you believe. Be courageous. Be strong. And everything you do must be done with love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NLT)

You ain’t alone. Been there. Done that. I have felt like I have fallen in a pit before with no way out, yet what I found was a way out I couldn’t even see. So often all it takes is understand who is really in control. It isn’t you. It isn’t me. God is in control.

Several people have reminded me as of late that when you place yourself in obedience to God that there will be some tough days. We have an enemy who is out for us. One of my favorite places to remind people of this is John 10:10 that plainly says our enemy’s plan to steal from us and that God’s plan is to give to us. So, who are we going to listen to? Who are we going to follow?

“Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour. Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in your faith…” 1 Peter 5:8-9 (NLT)

The first thing the coach wants you to know is what to expect from the opposing team. Here. God has given us the instructions and the warning. Listen up. We have an enemy who is lying, cheating and stealing all to hurt you.

What we have to do is know the enemy and be ready for his plan. But be careful how ready you are. Think you are ready or that you can handle it and down you may fall. One of the greatest things I remember about winning teams and successful sports programs is the humility of the leaders. When we humble ourselves with God and let Him be in control, the enemy has trouble ahead.

“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall. No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (NASB)

One of my favorite movies of all time is “Behind Enemy Lines” where a US Navy plane is shot down and one of the pilots has to make it out safely. He had to be reminded often of who he is and who is on his side.

You aren’t alone. God loves you and will walk with you, even in front you. That is, if you let Him. Don’t fight your battle by yourself. Let God fill you, strengthen you, remind you, hold you, fight for you and so much more. Why? Ephesians 6:12 says we cannot see our enemy. That makes it tougher. Meaning? We have to trust God.

“A final word: Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil.” Ephesians 6:10-11 (NLT)

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