Weekly Devotional
Know Your Real Enemy As You Stand For Marriage Restoration
Know Your Real Enemy As You Stand For Marriage Restoration “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 (NIV) In the battle to restore your marriage, it is crucial to understand that your true enemy is not your spouse but the spiritual forces of evil that seek to destroy and undermine the covenant relationship God loves. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us of this truth: “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.” When you are in the middle of a separation or divorce, it can be tempting to direct your frustration and anger toward your spouse. However, by recognizing that your battle is not against them, you gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual warfare taking place behind the scenes. It’s very likely your spouse is being influenced, deceived, or oppressed by demonic forces seeking to divide and destroy your relationship. They would never call it that, but you and I can be confident there is a degree of spiritual warfare leading them away from the covenant. Understanding this spiritual reality compels us to shift our focus from fighting with our spouse to waging war against the spiritual forces at work. Ephesians 6:13-18 calls us to arm ourselves with the armor of God so that we can stand firm against the enemy’s schemes and protect our marriage. In the next few days of this devotional, we will examine some specific scriptures showing us how to fight this spiritual battle. But today, I want you to know who your enemy actually is! Recognizing the true enemy will help you cultivate a heart of compassion and grace towards your spouse. Instead of responding in anger or resentment, you can choose to love and pray for them, understanding that they may be battling their own spiritual struggles. This will prompt you to intercede on their behalf, asking God to break the chains of darkness and bring healing and restoration to their lives. This perspective shift is not just theoretical but practical. It involves actively choosing to respond in love, to see beyond the surface of hurtful words or actions. When you view your spouse through the lens of spiritual warfare, your reactions are tempered with empathy and understanding. You begin to discern that their actions might be influenced by deeper spiritual struggles. In this spiritual battle, it’s also essential to maintain a heart of forgiveness. Holding on to bitterness or resentment only weakens your spiritual authority. Forgive your spouse, understanding that you, too, can be under attack and be tempted to resist the grace that God offers daily. Don’t be discouraged or overwhelmed by everything your spouse says or does. Instead, take hold of your authority in Christ and stand firm against the spiritual forces of evil attacking them. Trust that God is fighting for your marriage and that He is greater than any enemy we face. Remember that the victory has already been won on the cross, and you can find hope, healing, and restoration in Him. Now that your true enemy is in your crosshairs, pull that trigger and take him out! This week's devotional is from my book "40 Days for Marriage Restoration." Head to our website to purchase this “Must-Have Resource” for every stander.
