Let's be real, if you follow Christ, whether you know it or like it it you're in a spiritual battle. It's a conflict between God's kingdom and the forces of darkness. Ignoring this reality doesn't shield you. Our adversary, Satan, doesn't care about our denial. There's no neutral ground. Every believer is actively involved in this war between good and evil.
To refuse engagement is to become a casualty. But take heart! Jesus has empowered us, His followers, to be warriors in God's spiritual army, giving us the authority to use His very name.
Consider these powerful words from Scripture:
John 14:12-14 (NKJV): 12 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it."
John 16:23-24 (NKJV): 23 "And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full."
We aren't sent into this battle defenseless. We have spiritual armor to protect us.
Ephesians 6:13-18 (NKJV): 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints--
Plus, we are equipped with spiritual weapons to actively engage the enemy. We have the Word of God, our worship, our unwavering faith, God's abundant grace, and the powerful tool of prayer.
While Jesus decisively defeated Satan, the enemy's final destruction is yet to come, awaiting Christ's return.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 NIV [16] For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. [17] After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. [18] Therefore encourage one another with these words.
But God's heart isn't just for our salvation. He wants everybody to come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:8-9 NIV [8] But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. [9] The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
As Moses found out God is active in our battles.
Exodus 17:15-16 NIV [15] Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner. [16] He said, “Because hands were lifted up against the throne of the Lord, the Lord will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation.”
The understanding that "The Lord Is My Banner" hapes our mission in this spiritual warfare.
There are days when we feel the weight of this reality. Exhaustion sets in. We grow weary of the constant struggle, feeling like we're on the verge of giving up, wrestling with defeat, and sensing the enemy closing in. We might even question if God has left us to fend for ourselves. As I write this post, I am having one of those days, in fact, I have been having one of those months. But I know this one truth: I am and you are not alone. God's promises remain steadfast.
To refuse engagement is to become a casualty. But take heart! Jesus has empowered us, His followers, to be warriors in God's spiritual army, giving us the authority to use His very name.
Consider these powerful words from Scripture:
John 14:12-14 (NKJV): 12 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it."
John 16:23-24 (NKJV): 23 "And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full."
We aren't sent into this battle defenseless. We have spiritual armor to protect us.
Ephesians 6:13-18 (NKJV): 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints--
Plus, we are equipped with spiritual weapons to actively engage the enemy. We have the Word of God, our worship, our unwavering faith, God's abundant grace, and the powerful tool of prayer.
While Jesus decisively defeated Satan, the enemy's final destruction is yet to come, awaiting Christ's return.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 NIV [16] For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. [17] After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. [18] Therefore encourage one another with these words.
But God's heart isn't just for our salvation. He wants everybody to come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:8-9 NIV [8] But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. [9] The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
As Moses found out God is active in our battles.
Exodus 17:15-16 NIV [15] Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner. [16] He said, “Because hands were lifted up against the throne of the Lord, the Lord will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation.”
The understanding that "The Lord Is My Banner" hapes our mission in this spiritual warfare.
There are days when we feel the weight of this reality. Exhaustion sets in. We grow weary of the constant struggle, feeling like we're on the verge of giving up, wrestling with defeat, and sensing the enemy closing in. We might even question if God has left us to fend for ourselves. As I write this post, I am having one of those days, in fact, I have been having one of those months. But I know this one truth: I am and you are not alone. God's promises remain steadfast.
Scripture doesn't promise an easy life, as Jesus Himself said that we will face weariness and opposition, but we have a place of refuge.
Matthew 11:28-30 NIV [28] “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
He promises to fill us with the power of His Spirit, making His joy our strength
Nehemiah 8:10 NIV [10] Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Remind yourself as I often do;
Ephesians 6:12 NIV For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
None of us are immune to the daily battles – parenting challenges, marital difficulties, job pressures, relationship strains, anxieties about the future, grief, discouragement, illness, financial worries. These all can leave us feeling defeated but we are not the only soldiers in this war. We can praise and thank God for the gift of the community of believers to walk with us and help us.
Galatians 6:2 NIV Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
We're all navigating this life together. Let's extend encouragement, anything to remind a fellow believer that they are not alone and that we are standing with them, holding up their weary arms as they hold our arms up.
And most importantly, remember that God is with us. Even when attacks come unexpectedly, when the enemy tries to divide and discourage, remember that God takes notice. He rises for His precious children. God has the final say. No weapon or accusation can prevail against us. His power shines light into darkness.
Perhaps you feel forgotten, betrayed, or overwhelmed. Obstacles seem insurmountable but you can count on this; God is near. He sees your pain and every attack. He is building perseverance within you. Shake off the negativity and take it all to the One who sets you free. Leave it at His feet, knowing His favor and blessing renew your strength.
1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. [7] Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Isaiah 40:29-31 NIV [29] He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. [30] Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; [31] but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Matthew 11:28-30 NIV [28] “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
He promises to fill us with the power of His Spirit, making His joy our strength
Nehemiah 8:10 NIV [10] Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Remind yourself as I often do;
Ephesians 6:12 NIV For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
None of us are immune to the daily battles – parenting challenges, marital difficulties, job pressures, relationship strains, anxieties about the future, grief, discouragement, illness, financial worries. These all can leave us feeling defeated but we are not the only soldiers in this war. We can praise and thank God for the gift of the community of believers to walk with us and help us.
Galatians 6:2 NIV Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
We're all navigating this life together. Let's extend encouragement, anything to remind a fellow believer that they are not alone and that we are standing with them, holding up their weary arms as they hold our arms up.
And most importantly, remember that God is with us. Even when attacks come unexpectedly, when the enemy tries to divide and discourage, remember that God takes notice. He rises for His precious children. God has the final say. No weapon or accusation can prevail against us. His power shines light into darkness.
Perhaps you feel forgotten, betrayed, or overwhelmed. Obstacles seem insurmountable but you can count on this; God is near. He sees your pain and every attack. He is building perseverance within you. Shake off the negativity and take it all to the One who sets you free. Leave it at His feet, knowing His favor and blessing renew your strength.
1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. [7] Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Isaiah 40:29-31 NIV [29] He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. [30] Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; [31] but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
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