Spiritual Warfare...

Spiritual Warfare...11-20-25

Throughout most of my life, I didn't think much about Spiritual Warfare. Truly, I wasn't hit hard most of the time. Or, maybe, it was that I didn't realize what was hitting me. Yes, I have had my share of struggles, trials, and tribulations. However, I didn't understand the brevity of the attack that can come from fully seeking God's face, seeking His will, and drawing near to Him. A couple of years back, I talked with our pastor about some things I was going experiencing. His perspective, and understanding, shed light into my knowledge of the spiritual attacks that come when we seek to become closer to God and move away from the worldly desires of the flesh. Now, mind you, I have my desires, but I struggle within to commit myself to His will continually. In doing this, I have been under attack at times stronger than at other times. This is one of those. I was talking to a friend this morning. I truly believe the devil just knows when we are more vulnerable than others. He seeks those times to bring seeds of doubt, self-worth, insecurities, and all out attack. He seeks those times to test and try in order to pry a wedge where he can. If he gets his toenail in, his toe will be next, then his foot, leg, and whole body.

Ephesians 6:10-18 says, "¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² 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. ¹³ 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. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ¹⁸ 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 Lord’s people."

I love this passage. I love the thought of arming myself with everything God gives me to fight this fight. I know that 2 Timothy 4:7 will be true when my days are ending. I will have fought the good fight. I will run my race. I will finish my course. But until then, the devil will attack, and I will call on the whole armor of God through every spiritual invasion.