I am thinking back to the time when I was appointed into a higher position at work and constantly asking my boss that I wanted training on strategic management. He told me that I was already applying it to my everyday life, from being a mom to coordinating family events, as it requires strategy. All I needed to do was to apply that skill in the business environment. Just as I was growing in my work environment, I also want to grow in my relationship with God.
The closer I study God’s Word and become more intimate with Jesus, the better understanding I get on the topic of spiritual warfare. At first, I thought it was just something out there that is only for a selected few, like a specific calling. My goodness, how wrong I was. I want to share my personal experiences on this topic with you and I will base it on Ephesians 6:10 – 20.
I have used this Scripture many times so please read the full passage again. I highlight verses 10 – 12: “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.” Hence, you start from the basis of knowing God Three in One, being in a personal relationship with Jesus and taking up your identity and authority in Christ.
What is important to remember, is to be God focused and not enemy focused. Yes, the enemy is real, and he does have power, but only that which he has been allowed. He has been overcome and has no future. He uses people and what they allow him to control. Why? Because he is an imitator of God. Reading the Word of God, the reason why satan was thrown out of heaven was because he wanted power and to be worshipped. He wanted to be God and to sit on the throne.
God is Three in One; God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, who gives love, peace and joy. Through love comes salvation, deliverance and hope. The devil also wants three titles; and he is known as the thief, murderer and destroyer who comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). He is and brings hate, fear and misery. When people give in to hatred, unforgiveness and fear, they bring on themselves misery and at the same time hand over control to satan, which he then uses as power.
There are many evil spirits, and we should not keep ourselves busy with who they are and be afraid of them. Rather use the time to study God’s Word, spending time with Him and getting to know Him. When you are in a desperate situation, God will provide the way out. When you must face any form of evil, whether by action or an evil spirit, Jesus Christ is your victory. In the name of Jesus Christ and His blood, lies the authority to stand against and overcome the enemy. Do not keep yourself busy with the things of the enemy and become enemy focussed. You need to be and stay God focused!
Let us take a closer look at spiritual battles and where it can take place. It can take place in your marriage, workplace, family life, within yourself, finances, health, political sphere and in friendships. It can affect our spouses, children, communities and nations. All these things are closely connected to us, so if something for instance affects my spouse or colleague, it affects me for it is all intertwined. We face spiritual battles on a micro and macro scale, in all spheres of life.
Spiritual warfare is not a one-time thing, it is an everyday, all the time thing. It is about the Kingdom of God and the victory of Christ. It is about humbleness, blinded faith and unconditional trust. We might never see the results with our eyes, but when we take our stand in the spiritual realm, we do not have to see the results. We need to move in and do what God expects of us. It is about being silent so that we can listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit on what is needed and then to act.
Let us say it is, understanding when we do not understand. It is hearing God through His Word, people and yes, even trauma. Furthermore, it is about perseverance, hope and forgiveness, which also brings healing. It is about breaking, in Jesus name, strongholds, religion and past traditions and cultures that is not according to God’s Word. Then, it is about standing firm in and on the victory of Christ. Remember that spiritual warfare requires you to think and apply strategy. This also involves knowing the strategy of the enemy, which you read about throughout the Word of God.
Sun Tzu was a Chinese general and military strategist. He is traditionally credited as the author of The Art of War. He said: “The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.” He also said: “To fight and conquer in all your battles, is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy’s resistance without fighting.”
Love in Christ
Princess K