Spiritual Warfare

🔥✝️🛡️🩸⚔️ Spiritual Warfare: Understanding and Overcoming the Battle

In our daily walk of faith, we often find ourselves facing battles that are not just physical but spiritual in nature that affects our lives, health, relationships, finances, etc. This is what we refer to as spiritual warfare. The Bible clearly teaches us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12). To navigate and overcome these battles, we need to be equipped with the right tools and understanding.

✝️ Understanding Spiritual Warfare

Spiritual warfare is the conflict that takes place in the spiritual realm between the forces of good and evil. As believers, we are part of this battle, whether we realize it or not. The enemy's goal is to weaken our faith, distract us from our purpose, wear us out and ultimately separate us from God.

The apostle Paul reminds us that the enemy is cunning and constantly looking for ways to devour us (1 Peter 5:8). However, we are not without defense. God has provided us with spiritual armor to stand firm against these attacks. (Ephesians 6:10-20)

✝️ The Armor of God: Our Defense in Spiritual Warfare

In Ephesians 6:10-20, Paul outlines the Armor of God that we must put on to protect ourselves in this battle:

1. The Belt of Truth: Stand firm in the truth of God's Word. The enemy is the father of lies, and truth is our foundation against his deception. Pray for discernment to hear God voice above every other voice.

2. The Breastplate of Righteousness: Protect your heart/emotions by living a life of righteousness. This righteousness is not of our own but comes from Jesus Christ.

3. The Gospel of Peace as Shoes: Be ready to spread the gospel wherever you go. Stand strong and boldly in Faith of Christ Jesus. The peace of God will guard your steps and lead you in His will.

4. The Shield of Faith: Faith is our shield, extinguishing all the fiery darts the enemy throws at us. Trust in God's promises and His power to protect you.

5. The Helmet of Salvation: Guard your mind/thoughts with the assurance of salvation. Knowing that you are saved through the shedding of His blood for your sins, Jesus Christ; who protects you from the enemy's attacks on your thoughts.

6. The Sword of the Spirit: This is the Word of God. It is our offensive weapon against the enemy. Speak the Word of God boldly and courageously at all times. Jesus used Scripture to resist satan in the wilderness, showing us the power of God's Word in defeating the enemy. Just by speaking the name Jesus makes the enemy flee.

7. Prayer: Paul concludes by urging us to pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. Prayer connects us to God and aligns us with His will, giving us the strength and guidance we need in battle against the enemies schemes and tactics aimed against us and our destiny.

✝️ Standing Firm in the Battle

In spiritual warfare, the key is to stand firm. James 4:7 says, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." This submission involves trusting in God's power and authority, rather than our own strength.

When we face trials, temptations, or attacks, we must remember that our victory comes from God. Jesus has already won the ultimate victory over sin and death through His sacrifice on the cross. As we stand firm in Him, we can be confident that no weapon formed against us will prosper (Isaiah 54:17).

✝️ A Short Prayer for Strength in Spiritual Warfare

Heavenly Father,

I come before You, acknowledging that the battle is not mine, but Yours. I thank You for equipping me with the armor of God, and I pray that You help me to put it on daily. Strengthen my faith, guard my heart and mind, and lead my steps in Your peace. When the enemy comes against me, remind me of Your Word and the victory I have in Christ Jesus. I submit my life to You, Lord, resisting the devil and standing firm in Your truth. I trust that You will fight for me and deliver me from every evil attack of body, mind, soul and spirit. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen and Amen!

May this be an encouragement to you as you continue to fight the good fight of Faith. Remember, you are not alone in this battle - God is with you and promises to never leave you nor forsake you. His Holy Spirit empowers you to overcome every battle. Stay vigilant, stay prayerful, and stand firm in Faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In His grace and mercy,

Your sister in Christ Jesus,

Jeannie Walker

Forged in Faith Ministries©️