Schemes

“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.”—Ephesians 6:10–11 NASB

Order Number 191. General Robert E. Lee thought this 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. When issued on this day in 1862, Order 191 detailed troop movements and strategies.

Little did he know that three of his men decided to use his military order to wrap their cigars. Purely by accident a few days later, one of these cigars was found by the opposing Northern forces. When George McClellan, their commanding general, saw the document, he knew that this might bring them victory.

In the ensuing Battle of Antietam, the North emerged as the qualified victor, but the outcome was not clear cut. Why? Even though McClellan knew the enemy’s plans, he did not act decisively.

In the spiritual realm, many Christians fail to experience the total victory God wants for them, in part because they don’t realize that we know the plans and schemes of our enemy! We don’t have to be defeated.

Today, believe God for the complete victory He wants for you. Act decisively! Be strong in the Lord. Put on His full armor. Stand on His Word. Don’t compromise. Seek first 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.

Reflection Question: What are you doing to ensure you’re clothed with the full armor of God?