Recognize the Enemy

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:1–2; Ephesians 6:12

2 Chronicles 20:1–2 (CSB)

20 After this, the Moabites and Ammonites, together with some of the Meunites,^, came to fight against Jehoshaphat. ² People came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast number from beyond the Dead Sea and from Edom has come to fight against you; they are already in Hazazon-tamar” (that is, En-gedi).

When the report came to Jehoshaphat that a vast army was approaching, he didn’t ignore it. He didn’t pretend everything was fine. He faced the reality: the enemy was real and the threat was close. The first step to victory is recognizing that we are actually in a battle.

We often try to fight physical battles — with people, circumstances, and stress — when the real battle is spiritual (Eph 6:12). The discouragement you feel, the division in your home, the anxiety that follows you throughout the day — these may not simply be “emotions” or “coincidences.” There is a real enemy at work who wants to wear down your courage and steal your peace (1 Pt 5:8).

To win the right battle, you must first recognize the right enemy. Your spouse is not the enemy. Your coworker is not the enemy. The person who hurt you is not the enemy. Our struggle is “not against flesh and blood.”

Reflection Question: What is one current struggle in your life that may have a spiritual root rather than a physical cause?

Prayer: Lord, open my eyes to the real battle around me. Help me recognize where the enemy is working, so that I may stand firm and resist in Your strength. Amen.