It is helpful to remember the different ways in which we can combat Satan’s schemes. But we must never forget to fight from the victory Jesus has already gained for us – we must always depend on God’s strength, and never on our own – ‘Not by might, not by power, but by My Spirit says the Lord Almighty’ (Zechariah 4:6). How do we make sure we are always depending on God?

The answer is found in Ephesians 6:18: ‘And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind keep alert and always keep on praying for all the saints’.

All the saints’ refers to, ‘other Christians’ – We are all in the same battle and if one person falls it effects us all. But the amount of prayers and requests we make to God, whether for ourselves or on behalf of others, gives a clear indication of how dependent we are on Him. Stop a moment and assess your prayer life – are you engaging in conversation with God, in such a way that you can sense your soul being energized. We gain vital energy and strength by sitting at the feet of Jesus, allowing him to still our restless thoughts. It is often in this place that the lies of the devil are washed away – and the truth of God’s Word is planted in our hearts.

Unfortunately, too many people are trying to live on substitutes, rather than depending on God’s strength and resources. If we are going to be victorious, and not become victims, we must wear the full armor of God, learn to recognize Satan’s schemes, and depend on God’s energy rather than any substitute.