Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 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. (Ephesians 6:11-12)
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
Spiritual warfare is very real
Spiritual warfare does not have to be a weird, confusing, or overly spiritual experience. It can be identified, correctly branded, and supported in the strength of God.
Here are four proven ways to fight against spiritual warfare:
1. Don’t refer to everything as Spiritual Warfare
Everybody is going to experience adversity in this world. Even as Christians we will have our difficulties—sometimes because of our faith! This is what Jesus foresaw and always has been the case for the Church.
Not all of life’s challenges are spiritual conflicts. As the saying goes, “Don’t look for a demon under every rock.”
According to Psalm 66:10, 1 Peter 1:7, Isaiah 48:10, and Proverbs 17:3, what we sometimes see as spiritual battle may actually be God testing and purifying us, or it may even be us reaping what we have sown. (Proverbs 19:3, Galatians 6:7-8)
That said, we should also acknowledge that there are times when the issues we are dealing with have a spiritual component.
How do you recognize spiritual warfare? And this is what it usually looks like:
- Spiritual warfare usually happens just before or just after God makes a major move in our own spiritual development or just before or just after God uses us for a mighty ministry impact.
- Spiritual warfare many times robs us of our joy in God and His work in our lives. So, if something suddenly kills your joy after God has opened a door for you or is moving you forward in His call on your life, it’s very likely spiritual warfare to pull you away from your joy in God.
- Spiritual warfare can look like unexpected difficulty at a weird time, either before God uses you for kingdom effect or does something significant to you, or after He does.
- Another form of spiritual warfare is extraordinary temptation, either before or after God has used you for kingdom effect or a critical event in your life.
- Pastors often face spiritual warfare in the form of strange interpersonal conflicts where a deacon or other church member causes the pastor unusual problems that wear them out and discourage them.
2. Increase your happiness and serenity in the Lord
It is often in the context of spiritual warfare that we enter into seasons of great favor with God. If you are facing strange hindrances and the timing is strange simply because you are trying to make an impact for God’s kingdom, take heart; God may be about to bless your efforts richly.
Spiritually, warfare is often the enemy’s attempt to steal our joy over what God is doing in our lives. Don’t buy it! “Get back your joy and peace in God and His control of all that happens to you.
Nehemiah spoke to the people: “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.” (Nehemiah 8:10) Rejoice and be content and thankful for all that God has done for you and will do through you. Don’t let moments of blessing and spiritual warfare steal your joy!
If necessary, join David in saying, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.” Psalm 51:12
Jesus assured us that he would grant us a peace that is beyond comprehension and that this world cannot take away. (John 14:27; Philippians 4:7)
3. Recognize that you are changing things
Spiritual battle often rages when we are about to make a dent in God’s kingdom that exalts God.
If you are in a spiritual battle, know that God is using you and changing things. In fact, the more you get into spiritual warfare, the more influence you have in the kingdom.
So, if you are in a spiritual battle, you may be on the brink of a strategic triumph for God’s kingdom, human freedom, and God’s glory. Keep on!
4. Continue to pray and have faith in the Lord
There is a story in the Bible where the disciples prayed for a boy to be released from demons, but it didn’t work. When Jesus came, the boy was delivered. What were the disciples not doing that God had once used them to testify to in other people’s lives? Jesus said, “This kind can come out only through prayer.” (Mark 9:29)
They were learning from Jesus about the prevailing prayer.
Some things take years of prayer. Never lose faith in God’s power to work in your behalf.
But Jesus was also seeking to teach them how to elevate their prayer life to a higher level. Build up your prayer life. One of the best ways to stay strong in the fight you are in is:
- Start a season of more prayer. Pray more than you are used to.
- Find a few people who are devout to pray with. Share your struggles with a confidant and ask them to pray with you.
The Bible says we should “Endure suffering, as a good soldier of Christ. (2 Timothy 2:3) There will be times in our lives when we just have to persevere, but we can do so by increasing our prayer and strengthening our faith in God’s goodness.
What is Spiritual Warfare?
Spiritual warfare is the term used in the Bible to describe the struggle against the spiritual forces of evil. This concept is often misunderstood or simply ignored. It means resisting and overcoming the attacks and influences that can enter into the life of a believer and be detrimental. The Bible instructs us in how to recognize these spiritual battles and equips us with the “armor of God” to stand against them. Understanding what spiritual warfare is can help believers better prepare themselves to face and overcome these challenges with faith and fortitude.
Signs of Spiritual Warfare
For believers desiring to hold on to their faith, it is crucial to recognize the symptoms of spiritual battle. The Bible’s teaching on spiritual warfare gives us several signs that may be signaling a spiritual battle:
- Unusual Adversity: Facing unexpected hardship or setbacks, especially before or after a significant season of spiritual growth or ministry impact.
- Stolen Joy: The sudden loss of happiness or peace, particularly when God is making a major change in your life.
- Strong Temptation: Feeling more tempted. This often tries to distract or block your spiritual growth.
- Relationship Problems: Having unusual conflicts with people, especially in the church or with other Christians.
Believers who understand these signals understand the information and resources to fight spiritual warfare in the Bible. This knowledge is helpful to help believers to stay firm and maintain their faith in the face of spiritual struggles.
Reasons for Spiritual Warfare
The idea of spiritual warfare is not new; it has roots in biblical periods, particularly in the New Testament. Paul highlights the fight against spiritual forces in his writings:
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 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. (Ephesians 6:11-12)
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
Internal Struggles and Personal Sin
Sinful personal acts, moral dilemmas, often are sources of inner spiritual conflict. This internal strife is one of the primary causes of spiritual warfare.
Opposition from Malevolent Spiritual Forces
Belief in evil forces like demons often leads to experiencing spiritual warfare. These factors are considered as opposite to one’s faith and spiritual growth.
Cultural and Societal Influences
When social norms and spiritual beliefs collide, spiritual warfare can ensue. These outside forces add to a person’s spiritual problems.
Spiritual Growth and Advancement
People may run into more pushback as they look for a deeper spiritual understanding. Spiritual warfare often appears as an obstacle to growth and progress.
Example of Spiritual Warfare
A classic example of spiritual warfare is Jesus’ temptation by Satan in the desert. The tale depicts the struggle between good and evil forces and the importance of spiritual perseverance.
Spiritual warfare is a doable aspect of the spiritual journey because it can be identified, labeled, and endured with God’s strength. Those who know why we are fighting the spiritual fight can better endure, and press on in their journey, with fortitude and faith.
