[386 words]
There is more than one way to defeat an army. Head-on clashes with the enemy work – if you’re stronger. A sneakier approach is to cut off the enemy’s supply lines. This tactic has been used for centuries. Soldiers need food, medical supplies, and ammunition. If you can find a way to disrupt the flow of these things you have greatly weakened your opponent without even firing a shot. Hungry soldiers don’t fight very well and eating the questionable leftovers can be a problem. (Napoleon lost more soldiers from spoiled food than from bullets).
You can be sure that our enemy, the devil, uses the same strategy. God is stronger so head-on attacks are not Satan’s best option. Jesus says about His sheep that since God is greater than all “no one can snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:28). With God we are undefeatable! To win the devil has to weaken us up first. I think the best way to do that is to try and cut us off from the source of our spiritual strength. If the devil can distract us when it is time to pray, if he can convince us that more television is more important than the Word, if he can convince us to fill our Sundays with activities that aren’t church then we are going to have problems. You become spiritually hungry and weak when these supply lines are cut off.
Let us all take to heart the words of Jesus! He proclaims, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). I’ve picked up many fallen branches in my yard. Separated from the tree they all quickly wither and die. But connected they bear leaves and fruit. We are the same. Connected to God not only do we thrive but we also bring many blessings to others. If we remain in Christ we spread the light of Jesus wherever we go. So let’s stay connected. Defend your supply lines so you remain strong. Zealously defend your times of prayer, study, and worship. The One who is in us is greater – so as long as we are connected to Him victory is ours.
Doug Wells
Camden Avenue church of Christ
Parkersburg, VA