The Dangers of A Hidden Enemy
The Dangers of A Hidden Enemy
2 Corinthians 2:10-11 “But one whom you forgive anything, I forgive also; for indeed what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did it for your sakes in the presence of Christ, so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.”
Dear Kids:
The most dangerous enemy is the one you can’t see. The British found this statement to be true on April 19, 1775. A professional battalion of red-clad soldiers marched confidently towards Concord, Massachusetts, where they intended to seize ammunition hidden by the town’s citizens.
A Hidden Enemy
Much to their surprise the regulars were met by a ragtag bunch of men and boys who were determined to defend their homes and possessions. These Minutemen occupied a hill near the North Bridge. Recognizing the danger, the British retreated back across the bridge. Gunfire was exchanged leaving a number of British soldiers dead. The first shot fired became known as “The Shot Heard Round the World”. It is attributed to the beginning of the American Revolution.
During the British retreat more Minutemen, hidden in the roadside thickets, sprayed the fleeing soldiers with bullets. The unseen snipers caused great damage to the deflated and exhausted British regulars. Using these unconventional tactics the colonists secured the victory of the first battle of the American Revolution by outsmarting their professional military counterparts.
Satan’s Schemes
We have different tactics for war these days, but the world’s greatest danger is still a hidden enemy. The Bible names this adversary. Satan, a fallen angel and the first tempter of human kind, still desires to take down any who are ignorant of his schemes.
One of his “behind the thicket” strategies is to nurture a spirit of unforgiveness. We who have been forgiven so much by Christ are called to forgive those around us. But so often we hold onto our grudges. This only breeds bitterness, which can wound us even more than the initial offense. It also sabotages our relationships with others and with the Lord.
Hard though it may be, we must relinquish our desire to wound others back for the hurt they have brought to us. In so doing we allow God to deal with the offender in His own way and are protected from Satan’s deadly attacks.
Satan Uses Unforgiveness
By the time the exhausted British reached Boston the casualty count had reached upward of 200 men. The hidden Minutemen had won the day. But we are now on the other side of the battle. Our enemy, Satan, is the one hiding in the brush ready to attack when we are least aware.
Stay alert and keep your eyes open for any sign of unforgiveness in your life. Immediately relinquish the desire for revenge and release the offender to God’s perfect wisdom. You will render this particular scheme of Satan ineffective. Instead, he will be the one forced to retreat.
Love,
Mama