Whenever another ship was spotted on the horizon, a crew member would shout, “Sail ho!” This would warn the captain of a possible enemy approaching.
Are we warned before the enemy attacks? I believe we are.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places] (Ephesians 6:12 NKJV).
You see, the Enemy can be very tricky. He will use everything at his disposal to get to us; friends, family, jobs, even pets. So, we have to be on our guard at all times. Not everything bad that happens to us is an enemy attack, but Satan can certainly use our problems to his advantage. He can use something as silly as our dog peeing on the carpet to tempt us to lose our patience and our peace. The worst part is, the enemy knows when we are tired, when we’ve had a rough week. He knows when we have lowered our guns and are vulnerable to attack. That’s when he sails in full speed, all guns blazing. He wants to get you upset. He wants you to lose your temper, your faith, your hope and peace. He wants to grieve the Holy Spirit within you. Most of all, he wants to confuse you and fill your head with doubts about God and His Word. Satan is the author of lies and confusion, so you can bet that if you find yourself losing your peace, he is firing a broadside at you!
The trick is to spot him on the horizon before he gets to you and then call your ship to battle stations! How do you do that? Get alone with God if you can. Pray and speak aloud God’s Word. Ask for God’s help. Even if you’re already under attack, it’s never too late to call out for help!
I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world (John 16:33 NLT).
God comes to our rescue. No matter whether an entire fleet is attacking us or just a lone ship, the enemy is no match for God. He will send down His troops, His peace, and help you to victory. So, no matter how angry, upset, confused or dismayed you become, all you need to do is take a deep breath and send up a prayer. God will answer you by wrapping you in His loving arms.
You don't need to fear those oncoming enemy ships . . . nothing they bring will defeat you if God is on your side.
Debbie Mitchell