This post is a response to Pastor Ben's sermon entitled "Drawing the Battle Lines". [Watch video]

Our Life Group was discussing some of the schemes the enemy uses in our personal lives. As I listened to the group conversation, there was one thought that was headlining in my mind. It was discouragement. That's one of the schemes the enemy uses in my life. I wondered if anyone else was thinking the same way. 

We all have different issues in our life that discourage us. It could be health problems that have seemingly come out of nowhere, or chronic pain. It could be financial or marital trouble. It could be we've been praying for salvation for a loved one, and years go by with seeming unanswered prayers. Or, a job situation that daily gives us discouragement. It could be a dream or goal that was crushed, or the painful discouragement of being misunderstood or wounded by others.

Whatever the situation, discouragement is something we all identify with. We live in a fallen world which lends itself to discouragement. The enemy of our souls knows this and runs with it. How do we combat that? We combat that with the truth.

The book of Ephesians hits essential truths for our walk with God. We are told to be imitators of God. There is instruction on a Christ-like marriage, family relationships, and the importance of unity. I love how Paul begins the book about all that we have in Christ as believers. He uses words like blessed, chosen, predestined, and redemption. I find renewing my mind with these words to be hugely encouraging. It lays the groundwork for staying strong and standing firm.

Spiritual battle in chapter six is a sobering reality to us as believers. Paul uses the word “finally” to begin his advice about facing the enemy. It's as if he's saying, “Listen up! Pay attention!” We need to be aware of the schemes of the devil, and discouragement is one of them.

Discouragement is the opposite of encouragement. Discouraging words can race through my mind. I can replay and relive them. That's when I need to stand firm in the strength of His might.

Sometimes I live Ephesians 6:10 quite well. Other times it goes like this, "Finally be strong in the Lord and in the strength of MY might." I can read and reread these truths and still live according to my own strength, knowledge, abilities, and preferences. This will stunt my growth. I can be sure that when I'm operating in the strength of my might, God will squash it. Then, He moves me to repentance, a stronger faith, and a deeper trust in Him.

I don't want to be part of the schemes of the devil. Honestly, none of us can see ourselves in that role. We would never want to hinder the work of God. But if you read the book of Nehemiah you’ll get a glimpse of people who hindered God’s work by causing discouragement. They slandered, gossiped, mocked, lied, and basically slowed down the work on the wall. Foundations of our own homes, work, and church can crumble, erode and be hindered under these schemes.

Just as Ephesians starts out with all that we have in Christ, chapter six reminds us to daily be strong in the Lord, stand firm and put on the full armor of God. Each piece has been designed and picked for us by God. I love to read about and savor each piece of armor. No alteration or adjustment is needed. It fits! Encouraging, for a short girl like me.