Be Prepared for Spiritual Warfare

You Have The Power

There is a spiritual battle taking place in the heavenly realms today that defies description. If we had the spiritual eyes to see the battle, we would be overcome with terror. Since the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the enemy has been trying to take back control of the earth and he means to steal from, kill and destroy all the followers of Christ. 

When Jesus appointed 72 of His followers to go before Him and prepare hearts to receive Him, He knew they would meet opposition. They were amazed that demons submitted to them when they used the name of Jesus against them. He told His followers, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you." Luke 10:18-19

As Christians, we are burdened when we hear about injustice and hatred in the world around us. Because of the magnitude of the turmoil in the world, it seems we are powerless to do anything. But there is good news for those who are willing to put on the full armor of God and fight the battle.

Paul told the church in Corinth, "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

Jesus is expecting His "Church" to be engaged in this spiritual battle for lost souls in the world. God's Holy Spirit resides in believers and all the power that accompanies the Spirit is ours to use in this battle. The same Spirit that had the power to raise Christ Jesus from the grave is within all believers. But we often fail to plug into this power and use it for God's glory. 

God commissioned Jeremiah the prophet with these words, "You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you. Now I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant." Jeremiah 1:7-10

That commission can apply to each believer today. God has set you apart for kingdom work and is expecting you to take a stand against the enemy. When God calls us to a task, He makes sure that we are equipped for that task. He equipped David in his battle with Goliath, He equipped Daniel when he was taken into exile, He equipped Joseph when he became a slave and He equipped Moses as he led the Israelites from captivity. He will equip you too!

The Bible tells us that the prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective. You are the righteous, your prayers are powerful and effective against the enemy. But you have to pray.

Paul used the imagery of a fully-armed soldier as he described those who are prepared to battle the enemy. We must wear the belt of truth–which enables us to recognize the lies of Satan. We must wear the breastplate of righteousness–which protects our hearts from the enemy's accusations. We must wear the right shoes–which will motivate us to share the good news with others. Always carry the shield of faith–our faith will help us ward off Satan's attacks against us. The helmet of salvation–protects our minds from doubts about God's love for us. 

All of these things are defensive, but we only have one offensive weapon at our disposal. God has given us the sword of the Spirit–it is the Word of God and nothing is more powerful. Jesus used the Word of God against Satan when He was tempted in the wilderness. It stopped the enemy dead in his tracks.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. 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. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:10-18

When you feel overcome by the evil in the world, there is something you can do about it. You have authority given by Jesus himself to call upon the Living God and ask Him to stop the enemy. You have all the armor you need to stand up against the enemy. And by the power given to you through the Holy Spirit and God's word, the enemy has to flee. 

Join in the spiritual battle by praying for God to intervene in the lives of people around the world. Your prayers are heard and they are powerful and effective!