I became an Indianapolis Colts fan during the Dungy-Manning era, and would still like to see the team do well. But after yesterday’s 46-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, it appears this is going to be a really long and tough season for Indy.

The Colts have been on a decline the last couple of seasons, and their hope for this year is dwindling. Andrew Luck’s injuries prevented him from playing yesterday, and he may miss even more time moving forward.

As badly as the team was dominated on the field yesterday, they were subjected to even more embarrassment during their head coach’s press conference. When Chuck Pagano was recapping the game, he ended up giving credit to the 49ers for being such a strong opponent – instead of the Rams!

Although it was just a minor slip up, and he was reeling from a tough loss, Pagano is still taking heat for not knowing the team who whooped his team for three hours.

Social media has also had a lot of fun with the unfortunate mistake…and jokes have been made at his expense like, “That’s why they lost, they prepared for the wrong team.”

Although amusing to many, today we can actually learn something from Pagano’s comment.

Every day as followers of Jesus, we battle between good and evil with a tough opponent. When we don’t know who our opponent is, we can end up in terrible trouble, so we must be careful not to be confused with who we’re up against.

The Bible tells us in Ephesians 6:12 (AMP), “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places.”

That may sound “out there,” or difficult to wrap our minds around, but we shouldn’t overlook the reality that there is a spiritual side of life with darkness and evil surrounding us.

It’s not just other people we’re having to deal with each day, but an evil force that’s trying to destroy the larger church body, as well as, us individually.

This may sound like a sci-fi movie, but it’s the truth we face. We can deal with major consequences when we don’t know who our opponent is, and when we don’t take the enemy more seriously.

However, the Bible shows us how to recognize the enemy and prepare for battle. Ephesians 6:10-11 (AMP) tells us:

“In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might.

“Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil.”

As Pagano figures out who the Colts play next, let’s be aware of who we’re up against each day. When we choose to be completely reliant on God, He will provide us the way to victory.

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I know I can feel Your presence working in me and through me. I also believe there is an opposition trying to take me down. I pray I would understand the Truth and be well prepared to battle with Your strength. Help me to be a light in the darkness. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.