"Now that you know what you're up against, you can beat it. Movement to contact. Draw the enemy's fire to determine their position. Then develop the situation to your advantage." General Holden, Army Wives episode
Movement to Contact
As we seek to '”bear much fruit” (John 15:8), contemplating and discussing goals that appear beyond our reach can unearth some of our deepest, hidden fears, doubts, and insecurities. In the past, I viewed this anxiety as a "negative." However, I've come to understand it as akin to "drawing the enemy's fire." By experiencing stress, we gain insight into the enemy's position, enabling us to develop the situation to our advantage. While we can often label apprehension as problematic, as followers of Jesus, if we take up the shield of faith, we can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one (Eph 6:16) — his lies. By putting on the full armor of God (Eph 6:11, 13), we can take down the strongholds that stand in the way of God's will for us.
Draw the Enemy's Fire to Determine Their Position
Indeed, we may draw the enemy's fire (bring to the surface thoughts that are contrary to the Scriptures) but by taking up the shield of faith (Eph 6:16), we are able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one, providing protection as we move forward in our "mission." Armed with the sword of the Spirit (Eph 6:17), we not only stand our ground (Eph 6:11, 14), but also launch a counterattack, advancing towards our goals (Luke 13:32). Previously, we may have shied away from confronting the enemy, mistaking stress for adversity. However, stress and fear reveal areas where the enemy has established strongholds (2Cor 10:4-5) in our lives. But God urges us to reclaim the territories He created for us to enjoy. Once we have determined the position of our enemy, we can attack that area with God's strength. Just as the Israelites were given the promised land, but they also had to do the work to go in and take possession of it, so we too must do the work to demolish the stronghold. It's not likely to be a "one and done" battle. We will constantly be confronted (and tested) by God to refine and train us (Judges 2:20-3:4).
Develop the Situation to Your Advantage
Practically, what does this mean for us? It means daring to dream big, establishing ambitious goals, and envisioning their fulfillment. Instead of fearing the inevitable onslaught of doubts and anxieties, embrace them as signs of the enemy's resistance. These challenges signify the enemy's defense of a territory that he has long occupied within us. Yet, armed with the armor of the Almighty, we can confront and conquer this enemy as we seek to bring honor and glory to Him (1Sam 17:45), clearing the path for God's intended life for us. Thus, let's demolish the thoughts and beliefs contrary to God's word and make our thoughts obedient to Christ, so we can step into the fruitful life He has prepared for us (John 15:1-8)!