With Whom Do You Wrestle?

And I think this is a good reminder for all of us because I think so often many of us tend to forget; 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). Or as another translation put it; This is not a wrestling match against a human opponent. We are wrestling with rulers, authorities, the powers who govern this world of darkness, and spiritual forces that control evil in the heavenly world.

“Spiritual forces? Evil?” Yes, evil. And I know, evil’s such an evil word but believe me, it is very real and present and often works so hard at finding ways to wreak havoc on our unsuspecting lives. “Evil?” Yes, evil. “Well, how does one combat evil?” Well, for starters, I’m glad you asked and the word here is “combat.”

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil(Ephesians 6:11).

“Armor?” Yes, armor. “Well, why do I need armor?” Because God is sending you out into combat, you didn’t realize that? Put on the full armor of God… everyday. “Well, what is the full armor of God?” This, this is the full armor of God;

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints (Ephesians 6:14-18).

It’s like this; every morning you get dressed with clothes that you can see but are you thinking before you head out into the day, “there’s an entire war taking place that is completely unseen to me?” and “am I ready? Am I ready for every encounter? Am I ready for whatever God allows to come my way?” Well, are you? Put on the full armor of God… for your wrestle is not against flesh and blood.

In other words, be prepared; your loin cloth of truth, your brestplate of righteousness, your feet shod with peace, your shield of faith, your helmet of salvation, your sword of the Spirit, and lastly your greatest weapon of all, did you notice it? Your prayers. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. “Prayer?” Yes, your prayers.

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:4). “Pulling down of strongholds?” Yes, the pulling down of strongholds; your prayers.

Got somebody who rubs you the wrong way? Somebody who treats you unfairly? Unjustly? Or maybe somebody who constantly puts obstacles in your path? Or what about somebody you’ve felt lead to intercede for, for whom you’re standing in the gap? In all these situations remember, “with whom do you wrestle?” because it’s not against flesh and blood I can assure you, but more than likely it’s with “the unseen” and to wage war with “the unseen” is to pull out the only weapons you have that are of any use against such things; the full armor of God and to pray without ceasing!

The Goal of Depletion

Depletion. It’s probably not a word that’s at the forefront of most Christian’s minds. Rather, maybe completion, or rather the exact opposite of depletion; to be filled up. But how can one be truly filled in regards to the Holy Spirit unless they are first depleted of Self? Depletion.

It seems that most of us would probably have to agree that this is not a “want” on our “wish lists.” Depletion. Take a moment and just give it a little thought. Depletion, “more of Him and less of me. Less of me.”

Maybe it’s when God gets us to this place, when we finally realize, “I’ve had enough of me!” that God can then go about the process of depletion and it is a process, believe me. But just think about it, “what could God do with more of Him and less of me?” And even more so, “what if I could actually be completely emptied, emptied of me and then God could have complete free reign to do with my life whatever He pleased?” Hmmm. Again, take a moment and just think about it.

When I take a moment God starts bringing to mind people He’s brought to this end; the goal of depletion. People like; the Apostle Paul, John, Mother Teresa, Corrie Ten Boom, Billy Graham, just to name a few, and I’m sure countless others who went unnoticed but not unnoticed by God. People who, once depleted of Self God could then really pour through. It’s interesting, “more of Him and less of me.” God’s goal, and He will stop at nothing untill we realize, “I’ve had enough of me! Pour me out!” and then, “pour through me!” with nothing no longer hindering… the goal of… depletion.