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 6:12 NIV)
My husband opened the oven door, and warned me, “Something’s on fire in here!” Somehow, a dishcloth had fallen onto the open oven door. Unable to see it, I shut the door after placing my turkey pot pie on the rack, and now the smoldering black rag came close to starting a fire.
A single incident like that might not be spiritual warfare, but a string of various circumstances could indicate an attack. Can you recognize the schemes of the enemy?
Almost any problem we encounter through our five senses has a spiritual root. Notice Paul states that we don’t fight against flesh and blood. That fight you had with your husband earlier resulted from a carefully crafted attack on your marriage. The problems at work arise from demonic intervention. The problems with your neighbors, your family and even your kids all stem from the forces of Satan.
Many people have the wrong view of Satan. Either they believe he is responsible for everything that goes wrong, or they believe he only has time for kings and dictators. Both views are incorrect.
Paul reminds us that our enemy isn’t flesh and blood. Our real enemies are the rulers, authorities, and powers of this dark world. When we recognize our daily struggles have more to do with demons than people, we can stop fighting the wrong opponent and start having victory.
So, you’ve recognized the warfare in your life, now what? When Christ died on the cross, He conquered the devil, but the devil didn’t go to prison. He plays an active role in world affairs, including our personal lives.
He is powerless as far as we are concerned, but too often, we give the enemy power over us through sin, prayerlessness, and absence from the Bible.
In Ephesians chapter six, Paul tells us more than once to stand. We must take a firm stand against the devil. Paul proceeds to write about the armor of God which we need to protect us from the demonic attacks.
Now that you understand what spiritual warfare looks like, you stand in a place of victory, since you can begin to win the battle down on your knees.
Heavenly Father, give me discernment to recognize the attacks of the enemy, and dress me in your spiritual armor for victory. Thank You Jesus, for the victory on the cross. Amen.
DIG DEEPER
HIKING THE TRAIL
What circumstances in your life are a result of spiritual warfare and not a problem with people? What changes will you implement to address the real culprit?
RELATED RESOURCE
Today’s devotion is the first in a 5-part series on spiritual warfare. Don’t miss the next four devotions. Subscribe here and receive a free 7-day prayer guide based on the armor of God.
Originally posted on April 22, 2022 @ 3:00 am