New Level of Spiritual Warfare
Today I want to continue sharing some things the Lord has been showing me regarding spiritual warfare. Last week I related some thoughts about our need to be constantly tuned in to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Because the level of evil unleashed on the earth has increased, our level of awareness, prayer and discernment must increase as well.The Lord said His people are not prepared for things that are coming soon. If we are not honing our swords and shields now, it will be too late when more serious troubles strike. We will fold under the weight of the attacks.
I want to reiterate that the call is not to walk in fear or dread. The call is not about blaming the devil for everything and blindly going on in our sin. Just the opposite is true. While we do not see a demon behind every bush, I guarantee you there are demons lurking behind some of your bushes and you will not understand the battle if you choose to ignore them.
If we don’t understand God’s grand scheme of all things spiritual, then we won’t understand our personal role at all.
2 Corinthians 10:3-6 NIV
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. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
Please understand this—-if we ignore God’s promptings to turn from sin and receive healing, we are in effect choosing to walk in agreement with the enemy because those things are in direct conflict with the Lord and His Word. As we walk in agreement with the enemy, those demons are drawn to us like little magnets and we are opening doors for them to harass and bring us down. They always target our weak spots and sin. It’s not “the devil made me do it”; it’s a partnership.
The power within us is Jesus Christ—the power to overcome is through Him! We must take responsibility for our lives, attitudes and behaviors, but if we turn a blind eye to the attacks, that is foolish. Utilizing the power of Jesus Christ working in and through us is the key to victory! Satan was defeated at the cross. His deception is the key to his successful attacks on believers.
We must pray for discernment every day. The Holy Spirit reveals to us when danger is lurking. He warns us when the enemy is about to move in and go for the weak spots (sin, unhealed wounds).. The devil has no power over us, except what we give him—through our sin and unbelief. I always say that our true strength in spiritual warfare is a total comprehension of who we are in Christ, standing firm on His Word, through the work of His Spirit, living godly lives. Leaving no open doors for those attacks. That’s our life insurance.
Example: I’ve had times where someone says or does something that really pushes my buttons. I react without praying or thinking, but in total negativity, hurt, or anger. Then—I almost hear an audible “Gotcha!” Something in my spirit jolts me to the reality that I was hit in a place where I need healing, forgiveness or to repent of resentments, etc. Whatever the case, when I deal with that issue and let the Lord heal it, the next time something similar hits me, I can be at peace—no reacting or even hurting. In fact, if I’m paying attention to the Spirit’s Voice, I won’t even be tempted to fall for it at all. This is walking in His peace. The other person is responsible for their own ‘’stuff”. I’m only responsible for me.
The days we are living in are rapidly becoming more and more lawless and unpredictable. Without a strong faith and spirit that is attuned to His, we are on shaky ground. The Lord has warned that we are about to see frightening scenes, disasters unlike any before, and spiritual attacks will be relentless. Please do not ignore the warnings to get your spiritual life sharpened and ready.
“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16). Most commentaries agree that from the Greek translation, this speaks of a coming “evil day” which refers to the intensifying of the spiritual war in which believers are living, when dangers will increase. Satanic opposition is stronger than before. This is what the Lord has shown me is “beginning now” and is a direct step to the second coming of Jesus. Only then will we see the final destruction of satan and his legions. We are instructed to be vigilant, standing firm, so that we are not caught off guard by his schemes. This is on the job training for the final days of confrontation.
Unseen forces operate around us at all times. If we could see in the spirit and observe the spirit realm each day, we would live and think so differently. Our Father assigns angels to guard us and do battle over us. We are surrounded and never fighting the battle alone. (Psalm 91) . Believers generally do not even recognize the host of unseen celestial entities whose power vastly exceeds our own. With some exceptions, our enemies usually remain invisible to our human eyes, but are very real. These spiritual entities exist in several forms and are named by the apostle Paul as: “rulers, powers, world forces of darkness, spiritual forces of wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6). We probably cannot grasp fully the variety and numbers of those forces which oppose us. There are rankings and descriptions in the book of Revelation as well, which speaks of creatures which we will not understand until we are living in God’s heaven. (Rev 9; Rev 5).
Remember, If we don’t understand God’s grand scheme of all things spiritual, then we won’t understand our personal role at all. “Study to show yourself approved a workman unto God, that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.” (2 Tim 2:15). By studying the Bible and researching scripture on spiritual warfare, the Lord will open your spiritual eyes to more fully understand the battle in which you live. It will also offer hope and encouragement for the journey, because “I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me.” (Phil 4:13).