Neil Anderson fought in the Second World War. His unit was facing what was known as the Siegfried line, a set of defence fortifications facing German’s border with France.

Looking out over the landscape it seemed harmless. But a keen eye determined that what looked like a normal barn was actually a well-camouflaged bunker housing heavy artillery. Because they knew what was going on, they didn’t proceed on foot. They called in the Air Force!

Recalling this event Anderson says: “Knowing our enemy made all the difference.”*

When times are tough, or when we feel like we’re under siege, we can forget some basic facts. Not only can we forget who the enemy is, but we can start to turn on people we trust, as if they were enemies and not allies.

All things being equal, your enemy isn’t your friend who is just trying to help. And it isn’t that person in your family who may be frustrating (but not evil).

The enemy is Satan. “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” (Ephesians 6:12).

Don’t aim your ammo at your loved ones who are probably struggling just as much as you are. How horrible would it be if we came out the other side of this pandemic with fewer allies?

Don’t always assume the worse. Give grace. Spout encouragement. Fortify friends and family as if they were friends and family (because they are).

Don’t aim your ammo at your allies.

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–*Neil T. Anderson and Timothy M. Warner, The Essential Guide to Spiritual Warfare (Minneapolis: BethanyHouse, 2000), 24-25.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.