Exposing Schemes

General Robert E. Lee thought “Order Number 191” might contain the key to victory in the American Civil War. His Army of Northern Virginia was about to invade the North for the first time, hoping this would lead to the cessation of fighting. When issued on September 9, 1862, this order detailed troop movements and strategy.

Little did General Lee know that three of his men decided to use this order to wrap cigars. A few days later, purely by accident, one of these cigars was found by the opposing Northern forces. When General George McClellan, their commanding general, saw the document, he knew this might be the key to bring him victory.

In the ensuing battle, fought near Sharpsburg, Maryland, the North emerged as a qualified victor, but the outcome was not clear-cut. Why? Even though McClellan knew the enemy’s plans, many believe he didn’t act decisively enough. As a result, total victory eluded both sides.

In the spiritual realm, many of us fail to experience the victory God desires, in part because we don’t realize we can know the plans and schemes of our enemy! We don’t have to be defeated if we depend on God’s Word and His battle plan.

Today, don’t accept defeat or anything less than the complete victory God wants for you. Act decisively! Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on His full armor. Stand firm. Know the truth in God’s Word. Don’t compromise!

Commit your life to serving God and His Kingdom. Take up the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Remember you are in a spiritual war, which must be fought in the Holy Spirit’s power.