Maximizing Your Potential

wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength” (1 Corinthians 1:25). Only as we are “strong in the Lord and in His mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10) can we withstand satan’s onslaught against us. The Holy Spirit, sent by Jesus when we receive Him as Savior, is our Helper. God’s Plan of Defense For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert... (Ephesians 6:12-18). This description of the armor of God details a plan to guard and protect your life against satan’s invasion. You must understand the provisions of this plan and First, recognize your enemy as the spiritual forces of evil “for our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against…the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil…” What looks to be a conflict in personalities or a difference in values may well be a struggle on a more basic level. Discouragement, opposition, criticism, and the other enemies of potential are the work of evil forces through those who are close to you. Learn to recognize and combat these obstacles for what they are. Learn to recognize and combat the enemies of potential. The Scriptures are filled with examples of satan’s work. Moses’ mother and sister relied on God’s power to save him from death when Moses’ life was threatened by the Pharaoh of Egypt’s decree that all Hebrew boys should be killed at birth. After his mother had hidden him for three months and she could hide him no longer, she put him in a basket and placed it among the reeds in the Nile River. His sister then watched from a distance to see what would happen to him. When Pharaoh’s daughter found him and took pity on him, Moses’ sister brought her mother to care for him. (See Exodus 2:1-10.) Thus, Moses was saved from Pharaoh’s murderous plan. Joseph was but a youth when his brothers plotted to kill him. After they had put them into practice if you want to defend your potential. Recognize your enemies as the spiritual forces of evil.