“We have a silent enemy,” President Trump declared. It’s an invisible killer that is sweeping through our world wreaking havoc on our lives and, in some cases, taking them. Stores have closed, entertainment/sporting events have been cancelled, and the global stock markets have plunged. Everywhere we turn we hear about this enemy – the coronavirus. As a result, people are donning masks and gloves and are living in quarantine to avoid potential exposure. This virus is a serious threat.
But there’s another silent enemy out there – one that existed long before this pandemic. We are introduced to him in the first chapter of Job. “One day the angels came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came with them.” (Job 1:6 NIV) As the story continues Satan, Hebrew for “accuser” or “adversary,” dismantles the life of righteous Job – and continues to attempt to derail, distract, and destroy us today. Indeed, the coronavirus is not the only silent enemy roaming around.
While I’m not trying to create even more fear in a world already drenched in it, my hope is to raise awareness or provide a reminder because I believe that information brings power. How can we fight a battle that we don’t know we’re in? The good news is that God’s Word has the answer and also the assurance that we are never fighting alone. God is with us every step of the way, just as He was with Job. Satan had no power that God did not allow (Job 1:12, 2:6), and he was ultimately defeated just like the coronavirus will be.
This battle will require more than masks, gloves, and ventilators. It will necessitate the full armor of God (Ephesians 6). And this time of stillness may just be the perfect opportunity to prepare. I’m suiting up. How about you?
“The LORD said to Satan, ‘Where have you come from?’ Satan answered the LORD, ‘From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.’” (Job 1:7 NIV)
*For more information on spiritual warfare, I highly recommend the book Fervent by best-selling author Priscilla Shirer. It was the 2016 Christian Book of the Year – and it changed my life!