If It Walks Like a Duck

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgw1hIcW34k

Surviving the Game ~ Skillet

 

Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil. ~ Ephesians 6:11 AMPC

 

You’ve heard the saying, “If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, then it’s probably a duck.” That’s what was going on in our house last night—except the duck was a spiritual attack. Disguised as multiple physical ailments, our family was under spiritual attack. Like any good attack, a strategic plan was set into motion, but small at first, to slip in under the radar.

 

Over the weekend, Savannah and I felt some discomfort, which slowly got worse as the days progressed. By Wednesday evening, the four of us were having moderate to severe pain. However, like a good deception, we all had completely different issues, and didn’t immediately recognize what was happening.

 

Though I was overwhelmed, after taking a spiritual step back, I saw that we were under attack. Not only did I call doctors and treat physical symptoms, but I also prepared for war. When things feel like a spiritual attack and act like a spiritual attack, then it’s best to don your spiritual armor and prepare for battle.

 

Ephesians 1:3 says that we—believers—have been blessed “with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,” (NKJV). This includes our redemption, forgiveness, and our being lavished in every kind of wisdom and understanding in Christ, (vv. 7-8). Paul prayed that God would “make [us] intelligent and discerning in knowing [Him] personally,” (Ephesians 1:18 MSG). Intelligence is needed for the physical realm, discernment for the spiritual. We need both because, in Christ, we are spirit beings. “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, … raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,” (Ephesians 2:4,6 NIVUK). Because of His great love for us, God placed us in the heavenly places, blessing us with the victory that is in Christ Jesus, so that by faith, we can overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil, (1 John 5:4).

 

With wisdom, discernment, and your spiritual armor on, the next time that duck walks and quacks into your life, you can say, “I recognize you. Though dressed like a duck, you are defeated, and I have overcome!”

©Heather Potts 2022

Take Your Stand

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuS9T3yXPWo

I Will Not be Moved ~ Natalie Grant

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ~ Ephesians 6:11 NIV

Yesterday tried to knock me down. Some events happened which were reminiscent of a battle we fought years ago. But God, who is ever faithful, held us, then. He pulled us to our feet, again (literally), and set us on solid ground. Yesterday, I told the devil that I wasn’t doing that, again, that I would not lose!

Perhaps you think me too bold or too naïve to dare say those things, even to the devil. But why should I cower? I am a warrior facing a battle. I know my Victor. I see Him standing with me. I hear the battle cry throughout scripture:

When you go to war against your enemies and see…an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them… “For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” ~ Deuteronomy 20:1-4 NIV

“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” …Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire… ~ 2 Kings 6:15-17 NIV

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” ~ Joshua 1:9 NIV

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power... Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ~ Ephesians 6:10, 13 NIV

In the face of battle, our enemy is fierce. He comes strong against us because he sees the threat we are when we stand strong in the Lord. He fears us and the generations to follow. Today, if you are facing a battle like we are, remember Who is on your side. Our victory is in the Lord and He’s calling us to take our stand!

©Heather Potts 2020