Defeating our Foes

“Oh grant us help against the foe, for vain is the salvation of man! With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes” (Psalm 108:12-13 ESV; see Psalm 60:11-12).

Dear Praying Friends:

We all face many foes, enemies that would deflect us from doing God’s will and delighting in his goodness, truth, and love. As Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:10-12, these are not the physical forces working against us, but primarily spiritual assaults from Satan, and his deceptive devices, tempting us to believe lies and not the Word of God.

These include doubt, leading to discouragement, dejection, despondency, depression, and even despair; distractions from God’s revealed purpose and plans for us, especially his will for us to be holy (see Ephesians 1:4); differences with other believers, resulting often in divisions; denial of God’s truth in the Scripture; outright disobedience to his command – and much more.

How are we to gain the victory over such powerful threats to our happiness and our wholeness? Only by relying upon God’s power, which we access by constant faith (see Ephesians 1:19).

As I resume work on the writing projects that I mentioned in my monthly prayer letter, which you should have received Saturday, I feel that, though they are individually reasonable and doable, they are collectively daunting. Only God can supply the needed physical and mental energy, focus and concentration, and freedom from distractions that I’ll need.

Thank you for praying last week. We returned safely from Alabama last Tuesday and are thankful to be home. The Lord preserved our health and granted us several happy encounters with people along the way.

You can find completed notes on 2 Corinthians at Truth and Life.

If you want to see how God answered your prayers for my sermon at Peter’s memorial service, the video is posted on Facebook, though no login is required. Simply minimize the Facebook login prompt, and turn on the volume button. Please see: TPC Live Event | TPC Live Event | By Trinity Presbyterian Church Opelika | Facebook. The Scripture reading and message begin about thirty minutes into the service. I’m afraid that my voice at times became almost a whisper, but you will get most of the words with no trouble.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might” (Ephesians 6:10).

Yours in his prevailing power,

Wright