In 2023, Barbara took Anna and other women to Ashes to Beauty (Women’s Encounter). One thing I remember Barbara telling me about the weekend was something that she had written down: “As soon as you open your eyes, you’re in spiritual warfare.” I’m not sure a more true statement has ever been said. This is spot on. As soon as we wake up…THE! BATTLE! BEGINS! It happens every single day. I know I have been in some pretty heavy battles over the years.
Sometimes there are days where Satan really attacks me and Charlie 22 Outdoors. And some days, he tries his very best. Let me give you an example. One day, a few months ago, I heard about someone I know going through some very serious legal issues. No doubt he was going to have a long road ahead of him. Then I got a phone call about a simple misunderstanding with a potential landowner for one of our hunts. Let’s just say we’re probably not going to be able to use that property again. After that, I learned about some really disrespectful and lack of appreciation actions that some of our volunteers experienced. It seemed like the day was surrounded with these attacks. But you want to know something, Satan lost. He truly did. On that same day, I was with two veterans turkey hunting. And the host allowed the other vet and myself to both take turkeys. Such a blessing. They knew about what the day included. And they knew about my frustrations with it. And they told me before I left, to just focus on taking the turkey and being with my wife when I get home. So yes…Satan lost!
You see, there are two sides in this daily battle. Team Jesus. And Team Satan. We know about Team Jesus. We know what he stands for. We know what he does for us. So let’s talk about the other side. Satan is a snake. Sneaking around. Lurking in the shadows. Using opportune moments to attack us. Layoffs, debts, health issues, etc. Using our emotions against us. Anxiety, depression, anger, etc. He doesn’t do anything in the open. It’s all behind the scenes. Because, he knows he will be spotted for who he is. So each morning, let’s be sure to wake up understanding that he is coming after us. Let’s put on our armor to fight him off. But more importantly, let’s wake up knowing that Jesus has us. Let’s use Jesus as our armor! And let’s know and believe that the victory has already been declared. Satan has already lost. Our Lord and Savior took care of that for us years ago. The cross took care of that for us.
