Be the Warrior

This week it’s hard not to feel speechless and scrambled.  Ever felt like you’re short on words because you’ve heard too many?  My head is overfed with grieving headlines, too many hard prayer concerns, schedules, meetings, work.  Life.

And we’re war torn and lament over loss.

Finding peace in everyday life in 2023 can be a stretch.  Our thoughts go into overdrive when we think of what others are facing in the world – and what our children and grandchildren are facing in the same world.  We must hold on to the hope that we have in Jesus – especially when we feel like we’re banging on the holy ceiling and no one is answering.

I’ve been around for quite a while – and a believer for more than half a while. Back in the day, the words spiritual warfare caused some to roll their eyes.  Not so much anymore.  There’s been a noticeable change even though it’s been around since the beginning.  The prophetic clock is ticking and we have to be more serious than ever about our faith.

It’s easier to notice our surroundings are obviously affected by something sinister beyond normal perception.  Movies like The Exorcist and Poltergeist used to be just to freak us out but there is a dark side and realm that shows up in more than a Hollywood set.  I saw the original movie fifty years ago when I wasn’t a Christian (and I didn’t think it was funny even then).

Don’t think evil is real?  Just as spiritual war is compared to physical war, the enemy is trying to control the territory.  In your heart.  In your home.

Spiritual warfare is the battle for control of a soul.

Christian women learn how to be powerful warriors while battling for their children and defending their homes, struggling with their own thoughts and problems.  Sometimes one of the greatest battles can be within ourselves – worry, anxiety, fear. Be alert and think about what you’re thinking about.  Fight like a girl – one who reads her Bible, prays with other believers and turns up the worship music to diffuse the clutter. We’ve always been a target since the garden because moms are the steward of home and hearth. Satan’s warfare on women and her seed isn’t his side job – it’s his day (and night) job.

When the wicked whisper tries to take you down, you have a sword to help you back up.  It’s the Word-weapon of God.  Memorize, post it on everything where it’ll stick . . . You are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.  1 John 4:4

The pattern of preaching peace and victory over ourselves is half the battle.  The bigger half is knowing who God is, who we are in Him, and who our enemy is. A good soldier knows the enemy’s strategy – and ours uses the same old line, trying to deceive us by bending the truth God speaks to us. Did God really say?

In times when faith and fear come to a swift collision we need to rehearse the miracles – and pray so we don’t become prey.

Don’t let the enemy catch you half-dressed.  Your warfare wardrobe is in your prayer closet . . .

Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all to stand firm.  Stand having fastened on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and shoes of the gospel of peace.  In all circumstances take up the shield of faith which can extinguish the flaming darts of the evil one and take up the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.  And pray it on at all times  . . .

Ephesians six