"Going to the Wrestling Matches"

Growing up in Arkansas I lived in a smaller town of about 25,000 people.  One of the things that we did as kids was to go to the wrestling matches on Tuesday nights.  Boy scouts got in free and I was a boy scout.  Now in case you don’t already know I want to break some news to you.  Brace yourself.  Wrestling is fake.  It’s not real.  But tell anybody, because people love this stuff.  I recall as a young boy that it was announced for weeks that one of the wrestlers would be tangling with an alligator.  It was packed that night.  However, I think this particular gator might have been quadriplegic because he didn't move from the neck down.  Maybe he was sedated.  But as I looked at him I thought, "I think I can take him."  He never swung his tail, never even opened his mouth…none of the things that happen on television.  Why?  Because it’s fake.  

This got me to thinking. In the spiritual realm it is very different.  In Greek and Roman culture when they would fight it was a fight to the finish...…..till one was dead.  When it comes to wrestling, Satan is an Olympic champion and he is constantly looking for an area of our life that is unguarded.  He hopes our shield is down.  And he will attack when we are least prepared.

Paul tells us to "put on the belt of truth."  This first piece of the armor is vital, especially since Satan is known as the deceiver.  Truth is our only stance against deceit.

Have you ever wondered how Satan gains such a stronghold over God's people?

This seems to be one process he uses.   

(1)  He says, "you can have this."  Then whatever it is you desire, it becomes a possibility.

(2)  He then says, "you should have this."  Now it is not just a possibility, it’s a probability.

(3)  He says, "you must have this." When Satan makes us believe it is something we must have, then he is making progress.    

(4)  He says, "you deserve this."  Now he is beginning to program us.  Now we are thinking like he thinks.  

(5)  Last he says, "you can have this and here’s how."  Now he gives us a plan.  He says now you can proceed.  And now, if only for a moment, you have become his property.  You sort of belong to him.  

Paul describes this battle as a wrestling match only it is real, not fake.  And it's not weekly, it's daily.  Our part is to prayerfully put on the armor of God and then take a stand against the enemy.  So grab the belt of truth today and put it on.  Doesn't matter what your waist size is, it will fit.  And without it, well...you know what happens. :-)