Let’s Talk: Spiritual Warfare
Have you ever felt reluctant to dive into your Bible, spend time with God, or engage in activities you know would please Him? I certainly have.
Recently, I had a personal experience that I'll refer to as an “episode.” I had finally committed to finishing a Proverbs study that God had placed on my heart. Initially, I didn't recognize this struggle as spiritual warfare, but as time passed, I began to see it for what it was. It started with nausea, then fatigue, followed by anxiety, and eventually a significant loss of appetite. Each week brought a new or recurring symptom. Despite numerous tests and visits to my primary care doctor, nothing was conclusive.
During this period, prayer became increasingly difficult, and reading Proverbs—or working on the study—felt nearly impossible. Although I continued to spend time with God, my quiet time seemed shallow. I found myself praying more for relief from my symptoms or understanding what was wrong, rather than asking for the strength to fulfill my calling despite these challenges. In retrospect, I realize I hadn’t equipped myself with the full Armor of God nor allowed my weakness to become an opportunity for His power to shine through me.
Why am I sharing this?
I want you to be encouraged, and more importantly, God wants you to be encouraged. Once I resolved to complete what the Lord had called me to, the real battle began. It was a reminder that our circumstances or feelings should never distract or deter us from our mission, especially when we know the truth. God's grace is sufficient, His power is perfected in every weakness, and we have access to His full armor to combat any hindrance.
If you're facing spiritual warfare or any form of struggle, here are two key scriptures to ground yourself in. Read them, study them, and meditate on them:
Ephesians 6:10-20:
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 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 therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”
2 Corinthians 12:8-10:
“Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Remember, knowing the truth is not enough; we must also exercise it and stand firm on it. Let today be that day for you.
