"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:12 KJV
As I stated in one of my earlier posts, when I first started journaling, I would randomly write down topics and leave the pages blank and this particular title was the very first one wrote. When I wrote “Spiritual Warfare” down, I had no idea that God was exposing/revealing to me what it was and was preparing/teaching me how to handle it, at the same time. I started studying and researching what the term meant to gain a deeper understanding. I learned that these attacks are spiritual and are sent through the demonic realm, with the sole purpose of creating chaos and wreaking havoc in our lives—to shake our faith, instill doubt, destroy promises, stop us from reaching our full potential, and from fulfilling the purpose that God has predestined for us. When we are going through spiritual warfare, every part of our life is under attack—our peace of mind, health, marriage, children, job, finances, and even our relationships with relatives.
During that time, my life was a direct reflection of the spiritual warfare, God was teaching me about. It seemed liked the more I sought Him, the more opposition I faced. But then my spiritual eyes were opened and God, thoroughly, began to show me how and why this warfare happens, and how to discern when you are going through it. Some key indicators are: strained relationships, overwhelming stress, misplaced anger, unforgiveness, blame, feeling like neither you nor your spouse can do anything right, your always on the defensive and are eager attack, unwilling to compromise, or admit your fault, pride, selfishness, and you are neglecting the things of God and your relationship with Him.
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: For the weapons of warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. 2 Corinthians 3-4
We must remember that we are fighting an unseen enemy. Satan is the master of deception and lies. He is also a master manipulator and has a way of making things look or appear worse than what they really are. He knows our strengths and will do anything to turn them into our weaknesses. He is very cunning, cold, and calculated and will use any and everything to try to destroy us, ruin your lives, or end it. He wants to hinder our walk with God. I was watching a sermon one day, and the minister said, that the devil does not mess with us for what we are doing for God, but instead he comes in to try to stop us from what we are about to do. He knows that God has an assignment on our lives and attacks our potential. Those demons are attacking you so hard because of the ministry that is in you.
No, I am not saying that every hardship we face is a spiritual attack nor is the result of something we did wrong, HOWEVER, when we willfully walk in disobedience, and are operating outside the will of God, it leaves us vulnerable and more susceptible to the tricks, snares, and schemes of the devil. With that being said, the devil cannot force us to do anything, but he will set the trap. He only has the power to tempt us, but we are the only ones who can say yes or no, to whatever form of temptation he presents to us. Spiritual attacks are going to come, and they come at you even harder especially when you decide to give your life to Christ. Therefore, you must learn how to arm yourself. When satan is not attacking you, is when you should worry because 9 times out of 10, you are already walking with him (knowingly or unknowingly).
After studying and spending time with God, I now know for sure what 2 Corinthians 10 & Ephesians 6 really means and how to apply it to my life. God taught me that spiritual wars must be fought with spiritual weapons. And the only way to ward off these attacks is by His Word. We must learn to use the Word of God to fight our battles and, also through the power of prayer. Use prayer as your weapon, and not your tongue. When we are feeling burdened down and are facing extreme difficulty, are the times when prayer is needed the most. We must learn how to pray and praise our way through whatever the situation may be. Stay in God’s will and not react according to our flesh. Trust God and He will teach you how to fight and how to thwart the devil's attacks.
Pray ~ Repent ~ Worship ~ Praise ~ Fast ~ Read & Study the Word
Test!!!