My dad used to tell me that we are always playing chess with the devil.

 

I’d reply with, “No, dad! I’m not. I don’t want to play chess with the devil. He’s the last guy I’d ever play chess with.”

 

Dad would laugh and say, “Rachel, we have no choice.”

 

Ephesians 6:12 says, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

 

There have been several situations that have happened lately that are out of my control. Some have happened to me personally. Others have happened to a few of my friends.

 

I’m realizing that my dad is right. Life can be like a chess match with Satan. We all play chess with the devil, whether we want to or not. We might say we refuse to–that we are opting out–but we have no choice. We all play chess with him.

To say we are not playing just means he is already winning the match.

There are moves he makes and circumstances that happen that we cannot control.

But…if we learn to play God’s way, there’s ALWAYS a right chess move that will beat the devil.

It might not be the move we want to make. It might not make a lot of sense to us. It might be hard, and it might even look impossible. But if we wait on the Lord, and allow Him to lead our words, actions, our thoughts, and prayers…He will show us the perfect chess move…in every single situation.

And God’s move will always out smart the devil’s!

So no matter what happens to us in the chess game of life, God has a purpose. He has a perfect plan. He knows the perfect chess moves to win the game!

Our job is to get our chess intel from Him.

We put so much time and energy worrying and trying to figure out solutions on our own. But the Lord wants us to bring our problems to Him–to trust Him, depend on Him, rest in Him, and wait on Him.

1 Peter 5:7 says, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

Satan is a dramatic chess player. His M.O. is shock and awe. When Satan makes a flashy move, gives you a malicious grin, and says, “Check!” don’t panic or make any rash moves. Instead, take time to be still and look up!!!

Wait on the Lord to guide your hand on the chess board of life!

I’m learning that when things get tough, those are often the times when God is up to something big in our lives. We just have to let Him call the shots.

When we learn to play chess God’s way, it will be “check mate, Satan,” every time!!!