14 Day Fast: Day 9

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-12
 
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” – Ephesians 6:10–12 (NASB)
 
 
Devotional Thought:
 
Have you ever been in a group text or email where something was misinterpreted and suddenly the mood shifts? You feel offended, someone else gets defensive, and before you know it, there’s division over a misunderstanding. But when everyone finally talks face-to-face, clarity comes, and you realize the real problem was not the person — it was the communication breakdown.
 
That’s how the enemy works — he loves confusion. He wants us to believe our brother or sister is the enemy. But Jesus shows us differently in Matthew 16:21–23. When Peter tried to stop Jesus from going to the cross, Jesus didn’t call Peter the enemy. He said, “Get behind Me, Satan!” He recognized the influence behind the statement, not the person speaking.
 
Church, we have been getting tricked. We’ve been baited into fighting the wrong enemy. Our emotions get stirred, our thoughts run wild, and instead of correcting the spirit behind the moment, we attack each other. The devil celebrates every time we take the bait. Every time we choose offense over love. Gossip over grace. Distance over discipleship.
 
But Paul reminds us in Ephesians: we’re not wrestling with each other. We’re up against something unseen, and we need strength that is not our own. If we don’t put on the full armor of God daily, we’ll find ourselves participating in the very behaviors we’re fasting to let go of.
 
Let’s stop making enemies out of family. Let’s correct and cover one another. Let’s stand strong in God’s might — not our own moods or opinions.
 
Application:
 
Today, when a negative thought about a fellow believer comes to mind — pause. Ask yourself: Is this from God? Is this building unity?
 
If someone comes to you with information that dishonors a brother or sister, say with love: “Let’s pray before we talk. And if there’s an issue, let’s go to them in love.”
 
Be courageous enough to call out the real enemy. And even more courageous to correct in truth and restore in love.
 
 
Prayer:
 
Father,
Forgive me for the times I’ve misdirected my battle. I confess the moments I’ve fought my brother or sister instead of recognizing the true enemy. Help me to see with spiritual eyes. Give me discernment to know when the devil is trying to bait me into division. Lord, I put on Your armor today — not just for my protection, but so I can stand in truth, love, and unity. Remind me that we are not fighting against each other, we are fighting for each other. In Jesus’ name, amen.
 
 
Today’s Takeaway:
 
I will not fight people — I will fight for people. I will stand in God’s strength and refuse the bait of the enemy.
 
 
Study These Verses:
Matthew 16:21–23 – Jesus rebukes Satan’s influence, not Peter.
2 Corinthians 10:3–5 – Our weapons are not of the flesh.
James 4:7 – Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.