Spiritual Warfare, the Believer's War

Many people are worried about the Russia-Ukraine war right now. Some are afraid because of the brutality of war, which claims lives and material possessions. Others are concerned about the impact of the economic crisis and inflation. It is natural if lately the days have felt tense. 

However, there is another war that is far more important. This one happens so close to us and without realizing it, we are in the middle of fighting in it. What is it?

The War That Keeps Raging

That war is spiritual warfare.

Whether or not, every day we are involved in this war. Not against human beings, but “the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the evil spirits in the heavens” (Ephesians 6:12). Every day the Devil will try to tempt and mislead us. 

Besides that, we also fight the flesh, or our sin fulnature . We struggle to live rightly, but on the other hand we also want to commit sin. That is natural, because our longing for righteousness will be opposed to the flesh (Romans 8:7). Greed, lust, envy, deceitfulness are examples of it.

This war will go on for everyone who believes in the Lord. It keeps raging and will not stop until the end of the age.

Why Lose in War?

If we talk about war, what comes to mind is certainly a hard struggle. The same is true in spiritual warfare. The struggle against the Devil and the desires of the flesh is clearly not easy. There are times when we win, and there are times when we lose. 

Why do we lose in spiritual warfare?

First, it may be because we tend to live comfortably. A life like this tends to avoid challenges and choose the easy path. As a result, when temptation comes, we would rather avoid it or give up.

Second, the absence of support from people close. to us In real warfare, every country will certainly look for allies or friends to fight together. Without allies, that country will surely lose more easily. It is the same with the struggle against the Devil and the flesh. Without friends, your chances of winning are certainly smaller.

Third, because we do not rely on the Lord. Even though, the Lord should be the one we depend on, especially when the Devil comes to attack.

Winning the War Over Yourself

However, do not lose heart. As long as we are still willing to fight, victory will surely come someday. Now, how do we win?

1. Rely on the Lord

The first thing that must be built before going to war is dependence on the Lord. Only by the power of the Lord can you gain victory.

As it says in James 4:7, Therefore submit yourselves to God, and resist the Devil, and he will flee from you! 

How many times have we relied on ourselves in this war, and only afterward relied on the Lord? It is the Lord whom we should rely on first. We seek His strength, use His wisdom, and surrender to Him.

When we submit ourselves to God, we fight not with our own strength. His power helps and strengthens us, day by day. But do not forget, we still have our part in overcoming the temptations of the Devil every day. 

Whom do you rely on in your struggle? To ensure victory, let us keep relying on the Lord,

2. Be Alert and Put On Spiritual Armor

To fight the Devil, we must be alert. Every day we need to equip ourselves so that we can defend ourselves from his-temptations. 

As it says in Ephesians 6:11, 14-17 Put on the full armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with readiness to proclaim the gospel of peace; in every situation take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one, and receive the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 

How do we put on all that armor? By meditating on and doing the word of the Lord every day. Remaining in the word of the Lord is the key to standing firm, even in the midst of severe problems (Matt. 7:24-27).

If you long to experience victory, begin by meditating on and doing the word of the Lord. Little by little, your life will surely experience change. 

3. Find Friends to Support You

We need friends who help us in the struggle. What kind of friends? Those who are faithful with us and ready to strengthen us at all times. Also, friends who are ready to support us when we are weak and fall.

Even when we experience defeat, having friends will be very helpful. Together, the struggle to live according to the word of the Lord will surely feel lighter. We also feel safe, because we are not fighting alone.

Galatians 6:2 Bear one another’s burdens! In this way you fulfill the law of Christ.

Having spiritual friends you can rely on is very important for your struggle. If you need friends like that, we have a community ready to help you. The presence of the right community will become a safety net so that you can win day by day.

You Are Not Fighting Alone

Like David, who won the battle against Goliath by relying on the Lord, you can do the same. There is no situation too heavy to face. Even if there is, there is still the Lord who is far greater than your struggle. 

Therefore, let us keep fighting! When the time comes, we will surely gain that victory. 

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