June 18

There is a spiritual battle going on all around us, but the good news is that you're already equipped and you're not alone.

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Three Thoughts

Even when everything around us is falling apart, we are told to stand firm. That tells me that spiritual warfare oftentimes isn't about going on attack mode, but it's more about refusing to move than anything. So we need to realize that the armor of God is necessary and when evil approaches us we're already dressed for battle.

EPHESIANS 6:13

The greatest way to fight back against the devil is to surrender deeper to God. The order of it matters - we need to submit first, then resist him. The devil flees from the one you're standing under.

JAMES 4:7

Peter teaches us to be sober minded, to be watchful, not to panic but to pay attention. The enemy prowls all around us, but he doesn't reign. We can be confident that the battle was already won at the cross. So our job is to stand firm in the faith that already overcame.

1 PETER 5:8-9

Two Quotes

Pastor and author Tony Evans on spiritual battles:

"You are not fighting for victory - you are fighting from victory.

Author and radio host Joni Eareckson Tada on God’s closeness:

"He has chosen not to heal me, but to hold me."

Prayer

Father, when the attacks come my way, I ask that you help me stand firm, in your strength, not mine. Remind me that the victory is already won. Teach me to submit to your will today. Put the armor on my body and keep me alert without making me afraid. Amen.

Question

Where in your life are you trying to fight a battle that Jesus has already won? And what would it look like to stand firm instead of trying harder?

See you next Thursday,
Zach

P.S. I haven't said this anywhere else so you guys get the exclusive. You know how I have a new book coming out next year called "How to Be a Christian"? Well I actually signed a TWO BOOK deal! So I turned in the manuscript for the first book to my publisher last week and while I wait for my editor to go through it I'm starting to research book two! For now I'll share that it's about the meaning of life :)