Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.” ~ Job 1:9-10ESV
Sometimes when you’re having victory after victory, and you’re not falling for the Devil’s usual schemes, he uses those around you to knock the joy right out of you. You don’t have to be a non-believer to be used by the Devil; Peter was arguably Jesus’ best friend, and he was used by Satan at the Last Supper. Judas was a follower of Jesus, and Satan entered him. You don’t have to be unsaved to be used by the enemy; he just simply needs an open door in your life to use you. And sometimes that’s what happens.
Paul tells us that we don’t wrestle against flesh and blood but against the spiritual realm. The unseen world. The enemy and his kingdom. Their goal is to separate you from God, but because they can’t do it themselves, they try to force you to do it through temptation and trials. When temptation doesn’t work, they use those around you to try to steal your joy, your peace, your love. They try to steal your fruit because if you aren’t producing fruit, then the Father will cut you off of the Vine, who is Christ Jesus. So, he goes after your fruit when temptation doesn’t work.
So, be on guard. Put up a hedge of protection around you. How? Through prayer. Through worship. Through speaking the Word of God over your life, your family, your household, your relationships, your job. Speak the Word of God over all that is in your life so that it might be covered and protected.
We are not unaware of the Devil’s schemes, so don’t play his game. Don’t allow him to steal your joy. Your peace. Your love. Once you’ve covered all in your life, cover yourself. Put on the full Armor of God. Be prepared for battle at all times. Don’t give him anything the LORD has promised you; He has promised all the fruit to those who follow Him and allow Him to transform us into a new creation.
Peace. Love. Go Forth and Prepare A Hedge For The Attack.