The new birth brings a new battle between your regenerate spirit and your unregenerate body, which still craves old desires and clings to old proclivities. Paul describes this graphically as a wrestling match. ‘For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand’ (vv. 12-13 NKJV). The winner in a wrestling match is the one still standing when it’s over. So, picture a wrestling match, and you will get an idea of what you’re up against each day. Two fighters going toe to toe, until one wins and the other loses. To prepare themselves, they practise for hours. Each knows they need two things to win: strength and a strategy. But they need more; they need determination and endurance. And each knows one more very important thing – never underestimate your opponent! ‘Be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith’ (1 Peter 5:8-9 NKJV). Here are two scriptural truths you need to live by in order to walk in victory. First, don’t try to overcome Satan in your own strength, or you will lose. Second, don’t let down your guard even for a moment, or you will lose. Paul writes, ‘Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices’ (2 Corinthians 2:11 NKJV). So, expect to ‘wrestle’, and expect to win.

© 2024. Written by Bob and Debby Gass. Used by permission under licence from UCB International.