Anita Mellott homeschools and blogs “Words of Encouragement and Hope” at From the Mango Tree. Her book of devotionals for homeschooling parents will be released by Judson Press in late summer 2011.
I know spiritual warfare is a certainty in the life of believers. But little did I know I’d be stepping into a field full of landmines when I signed a book contract.
After several weeks of reeling from strange events--weird illnesses, and disturbing, unexplained lab results--I began to study Ephesians 6:1-18.
Intrigued that Paul repeats the word “stand” four times over four verses, I delved into their meaning.
Paul urges us to put on the whole armor of God so we can “take our stand against the devil’s schemes” (vs.11). As Christian writers, we are to brace ourselves for spiritual warfare. The onslaught will come. Paul leaves us in no doubt about the reality and intensity of warfare: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12).
The second time “stand” is mentioned (vs.13) is in reference to resisting the attack, almost like going on the offense. In the same verse, Paul emphasizes, “after you have done everything…stand.” After we’ve prepared and armed ourselves, and gone on the offensive through prayer, it is imperative to hold our ground despite the doubts, temptations to call it quits and weariness that sets in. Retreat is not an option because Jesus has our backs.
Finally verse 14 encourages us to “stand firm then,” even after resisting and holding our ground. We stand firm because:
* We know Who fights for us. The battle is the Lord’s (1 Samuel 17:47).
* We know the outcome. “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross” (Colossians 2:15). Jesus has won the victory, and we stand firm in Him.
So be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. He has called us to write words of hope and inspiration under His anointing. Only eternity will show the fruit of our obedience. Till then, we can stand firm because He is with us.
Anita Mellott
Blog: From the Mango Tree:http://amellott.wordpress.com/
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Sunday, July 25, 2010
Stand Firm
Thank you, Anita. for this post. I had a day like that yesterday and I am just editing my book. The attack was very strong though and it did make me wonder what would happen if I had a book contract! Thank you for the passage and the reminder that I am not the only this is happening too.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much--this was right on the nail head for me. I have known for a while that I will be working on a book sometime soon. As I have sensed the time approaching to begin, the warfare has been intense. I appreciate your reminding me what it truly is! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Anita. I had a friend tell me that I need to write true but be prepared for persecution.
ReplyDeleteSo glad the devotional encouraged you.
ReplyDeleteMay you stand firm in Him!
Blessings,
Anita
Thank you, Anita. I remember the struggle I experienced the night before I left for Mt. Hermon. Till now I never thought of it as spiritual warfare, but I am convinced by your encouraging message. Like you said, when we have done all we can, then the Lord will fight for us. Blessings to you.
ReplyDeleteAnita, interesting how many meanings the word "stand" has.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this devotion. Blessings to you and your family!
Anita, thanks for this word. I've been in a battle since my book got published. But it is raging fiercer and stronger since I joined John 316. But I continue to stand firm with the Lord becaue I know that He has already won the the battle and the war.
ReplyDeleteYvonne Pat
Anita, thanks for sharing this devotion. We know we can find our strength in the Word.
ReplyDelete