In Ephesians 6:11, we are told to put on the whole armor of God so that we may stand against the schemes of the enemy. Which then begs the question, what are the schemes of the enemy? Dictionary.com defines a scheme as: “A plan, design, or program of action to be followed.” So then, we should ask, what is Satan’s “program of action” he wants us to follow?

In Jeremiah 11:19, the prophet had just discovered that he had been deceived, and that his enemy was scheming against him, saying:

“Let us destroy the tree with its fruit, 

let us cut him off from the land of the living, 

that his name be remembered no more.”

Did you catch that? The accuser wants to destroy the tree and the fruit, cutting them off from life so that they will be forgotten.  You, your family, the whole family of God – obliterated from the earth. That is his scheme.

But Adonai has given us authority! We armor up and stand against the schemes, and then God crushes them! Where do we stand? First, in a place of victory, for the ultimate battle was won on the cross. Second, we stand “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.” (Eph. 6:18) As we stand in prayer, we proclaim victory l’dor vador, from generation to generation, and in the lives of all the House of Israel! 

Oh Abba, my Father, do not let me become blind to the schemes of the enemy. Alert me, through your Ruach, so that I may discern his plans and not fall into the traps he sets for me. Alert me to how he is attempting to destroy my family, my loved ones, and the house of Israel. As I take up your armor, raise me up to stand, praying in the Spirit, on behalf of this generation and all the generations to come.