Spiritual Warfare

As I was listening to my grandparent's pastor preach about spiritual warfare Sunday, I was feeling really good. I mean, I wasn't really having any problems with that! But as soon as I got home, my brother started to annoy me, people said rude things to me, and it was making me mad. When I really thought about it, I realized that this was spiritual warfare. The devil was trying to get at me because I was striving to live my life for Christ. In a way, I was glad. Satan doesn't attack people that he doesn't see as a threat. If you are living your life in sin, not standing up for your beliefs, and not being a light in this dark world, Satan could care less. You aren't influencing anyone for Christ; in fact you may be influencing them to think of Christians as hypocrites and liars. When you start to really get serious about Christ and walk in his ways, the devil gets a little uneasy. People might actually believe this! He has no reason to think that they wouldn't, because he sure does! (James 2:19) However, don't be discouraged. Living a life for Christ is so rewarding, both now and for all eternity.

¹⁰Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. ¹²For 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. ¹³Therefore 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. ¹⁴Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ¹⁸And 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.

Notice that all the armor protects the front of our bodies. The only way the devil can defeat us is if we turn our backs on him. Contrary to popular belief, only God is omnipresent. Satan can not be in every place at one time. When we stand up to him and face him through the courage our Lord and Savior provides, he will retreat. (James 4:7, 1Peter 5:9) Finally, pray. Satan fears prayer, because he knows that the Lord truly will answer it. Stand up to him and fight!

Your Sister in Christ,
Becky †»