Have you ever searched for your keys without success, only to discover they are sitting right in front of you, staring at you? What about looking for your glasses when they are perched on your head? My favorite is to look for my wallet when it’s in my pocket!

For some mysterious reason, numerous items like to play hide-and-seek with us overanxious humans!

It was recommended that we visit Shag Point on New Zealand’s south island, an off-the-beaten track hideout for numerous sea animals, not too far from the Moeraki Boulders. We spent some time squinting out over the beach and ocean, but we saw absolutely nothing but the water, the cliffs and lots of seaweed-type plants floating nearby.

Then we heard the cry of a seal, and our eyes immediately turned towards the sound. As we stared straight at the seaweed dancing on the ocean, we slowly began to perceive unusual movement. There, right in front of us, were seals chasing one another through the seaweed, but they were so camouflaged by their natural surroundings that if it hadn’t been for their cry and sudden movements, we would never have seen them at all!

The same is true for our next piece of our spiritual armament: “The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Eph 6:17 NIV)

How many of us find ourselves lost to the meaning when we read our Bible? Anyone who has ever read the book of Leviticus knows exactly what I mean! This is so common that Jesus even warned about this: “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.” (Matt 13:13 NIV)

However, no matter how confusing or unrelated a Bible passage may seem, there are hidden treasures from above clearly concealed throughout each verse of God’s Word. The problem is, we can’t discern them with our own insignificant efforts! It is only possible through revelation from the author of these books: God’s Holy Spirit Himself!

“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you.” (John 16:13-14 NIV)

In addition, God’s Word equips us with a mighty weapon against the attacks of the evil one. This is why it is called “the sword of the Spirit”. It is a tool than can only be successfully used by relying solely on God’s Holy Spirit!

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim 3:16-17 NIV)

Speaking of swords, Romans used short ones, around 18 inches long, that were ideal for hand-to-hand combat (or should I say, sword-to-sword combat!). The most effective ones were the ones that were sharpened on both sides. Imagine grabbing a kitchen knife that has been finely sharpened on both sides! Not a good idea!

The sword is the only weapon at our disposal that can be used not only for our defense, but also for our offence. No wonder the devil retreated after unsuccessfully tempting Jesus. Jesus quoted God’s Word each time He faced temptation (See Matthew 4: 1-11)!

This is true for us as well! “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Heb 4:12-13 NIV)

Naturally we have to get acquainted with using it, and the way to do that is to work on getting to know its Author intimately. Only then will we become master swordsmen (or women) that can’t be beat!

Interestingly enough, when we do finally use the Bible against temptation, two things happen: We are strengthened to resist the evil one, and the devil has no choice but to flee. Hurray!

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.” NIV (James 4:7-8) No ifs and buts in that text!

It sure is handy to have an armory of Bible verses that explicitly refer to our particular weaknesses!

You want to see the devil on the run? Get to know God’s Word and its Author! It is the only offence against temptation! “Attackkkkkkkk!!!”

It’s time that we bring forth what is hidden from sight and start savoring it!

“Oh sweet victory!”

Rob Chaffart

(To access the entire “Fearless Victory!” devotional series, please click here.)