Terror Tactics (#350 of 365+)

“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:16)

Today is September 11, Patriot Day, when we solemnly remember the
day when close to 3,000 human souls perished. There may be plenty more terrorists in the world like the 9/11 hijackers who would love to bring America the Beautiful to her knees but, as Joni pointed out, those people don’t have the courage to go “toe-to-toe” with our soldiers. We’ll never see terrorists plan a surprise military attack on American soil like the Japanese executed at Pearl Harbor. No, terrorists use dirty tactics like taking hostages or blowing up women and children. They make a big production out of killing in that way in order to strike terror into our hearts. They want their religion and their god to be feared and revered above all else. It’s very similar to what our Enemy does…

Satan robs us of joy when he tricks us into feelings of sorrow or shame; he rips away faith when he introduces doubtful or fearful thoughts into our minds. He knows he could never go “toe-to-toe” against the Lord God Almighty so he’ll toss little flaming darts at God’s beloved children. The only way he can hurt God is by hurting one of us. If he can get one of us to stumble or falter then maybe, just maybe, he can spoil God’s plans. Or so he thinks…

Lord, I pray that today on September 11 you’ll protect the minds and heart of Americans against terrorism—both foreign and domestic. I pray that you’ll also protect believers’ hearts and minds against the schemes of the devil. Thank you for the shield of faith, the sword of your Spirit, and the weapon of your Word. Help us to stand strong remembering every day the ultimate victory is already yours. And bring the United States of America back to the faith she once had... Amen.