Spiritual Battles
Waaaaay back at the beginning of February, I told you that God has been getting me battle-ready, encouraging me to re-engage after a period of feeling utterly defeated. I asked you to walk with me through Ephesians 6:10-20, the “armor of God” passage. I’m sorry for the delay (ICYMI, I explained that in an email last week…), but it’s time to get back at it.
This is such an important portion of Scripture, because we are indeed called to battle. The Christian life, as I mentioned last time, is not about passively receiving God’s blessings but about actively advancing his kingdom. We are soldiers in the army of the Lord, to borrow from a song of my childhood.
But that doesn’t mean we are always on the front lines. Some of you are out there right now, engaged in spiritual battles day in and day out. Others might be where I was not so long ago—licking your wounds and feeling defeated, in need of rest. Still others might think, “What is this spiritual war she’s talking about? My life is going just fine.”
So before we really dive into this passage, I’d like to offer a few words of encouragement to you, wherever you find yourself on this journey:
- If you are engaged in a spiritual battle (or two… or twenty…) right now, stand firm, friend. Remember that God has given you his armor to protect and empower you. Remember that prayer is our ultimate weapon. And know that you do not fight alone—God has appointed an entire army to pray for you and fight alongside you. God repeatedly reminds us to be strong, courageous, or not to fear. Why is that? Because he knew it was something we’d need to hear a lot! Remind yourself that God is with you wherever you go.
- If you are temporarily sidelined—battle-worn and weary—remember that the same Bible that calls us to stand firm also encourages us that God is our refuge and our fortress. Rest in Him. Let His strength and power restore you. Cling to the words of Paul: “For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).
- Or maybe you are in a beautiful place of peace and rest. Everything is going well, and you can breathe freely. Enjoy that. But don’t become complacent. Because you can’t train for battles while you’re fighting them—and they will come. “In this world you will have trouble,” Jesus cautions before reassuring us, “But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). So use this time of peace to train. Draw near to him. Know him. Cling to him. Be prepared for the “schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11).
No matter where you are right now, you are not alone. I’m so glad we are sisters (and brothers—I know a few of you are seeing this!) in this big family of God, and I am honored to lift you up and cheer you on. So hit the reply button and tell me where you are in God’s army right now—battling, sidelined, or resting up—so I can pray for and with you!
And if you know someone else who can use some encouragement, won’t you pass this email along? Let’s build some warriors for the Lord’s army together!
See you next week.
