In the opening section of his book The Necessity of an Enemy: How the Battle You Face is Your Best Opportunity, Pastor Ron Carpenter Jr. defines the enemies in our lives and discusses how they can enlarge our capacity through external challenges as well as internal changes.
The author defines enemies as “the people, mind-sets, weaknesses and situations in your life that try to destroy the passion you have for God’s purpose and plans for you.” Yet those things aren’t the ultimate enemy. That distinction belongs to Satan, trying to sabotage our future by using those very things.
Once we realize that, Ron Carpenter has good news. God often assigns enemies as a catalyst to end one season in our life and begin another. Enemies are critical in times of transition. As the author summarizes: “An enemy arising in your life is a key indicator that the next stage of your future is about to be born.” Reflecting on his own adversity, the author sees that major event not as his worst day, but as God’s greatest opportunity!
