Spiritual Warfare

For so long, I thought my battle was with myself. I thought I was just broken, weak, and beyond hope. But looking back, I see now that there was more going on than just my own struggles. There was a war being waged over my soul—one I couldn’t see but could definitely feel. The enemy’s voice was relentless. It wasn’t just my own negative thoughts; it was something darker, something persistent. It whispered that I was worthless, that I would never be free, that the only way out was to end it all. I can’t count how many times I sat alone, drowning in those voices, convinced that I had no future. But those thoughts were not my own. Neil T. Anderson says in The Bondage Breaker, “The devil’s greatest weapon is deception. He wants you to believe lies about yourself, about God, and about your circumstances. If he can get you to believe a lie, he can control your life.” That’s exactly what was happening to me. I was believing lies—lies that I was unloved, that I was beyond saving, that there was no way out. But those were not the words of God. Those were the words of the enemy, trying to destroy me before I could step into the freedom Christ had for me. It took time for me to recognize that my battle wasn’t against myself. It wasn’t just against addiction or depression. It was spiritual warfare. Recognizing the Real Enemy The Bible makes it clear that we are not fighting against flesh and blood: “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.” — Ephesians 6:12 Satan is real. Demonic forces are real. And their goal is to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). I know this because I’ve felt it firsthand. But the good news? They do not win. Jesus has already won the victory, and when we stand in His truth, the lies of the enemy lose their power. Neil T. Anderson writes, “Victory is not achieved by trying harder, but by realizing the truth of who you are in Christ and standing firm in that reality.” How to Fight Back 1. Recognize the Lies The enemy wants to keep you in darkness, believing lies. But Jesus is the Truth (John 14:6). We have to expose the lies and replace them with God’s Word. 2. Take Authority in Christ “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” — James 4:7 When we submit to God and stand firm, the enemy must flee. We have the authority in Christ to rebuke those demonic voices and claim victory over our minds. 3. Put on the Armor of God • The Belt of Truth – Standing firm in God’s truth, which holds everything together (Ephesians 6:14). This includes knowing who God is and who we are in Christ. • The Breastplate of Righteousness – Not our own righteousness, but Christ’s righteousness, which guards our hearts and enables us to live in His grace and obedience (Ephesians 6:14). • The Shield of Faith – Trusting in God, which extinguishes the fiery darts (doubts, lies, temptations) of the enemy (Ephesians 6:16). • The Sword of the Spirit – The Word of God, our offensive weapon against deception and attacks (Ephesians 6:17). • The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace – Being ready to stand firm and share the Good News (Ephesians 6:15). • The Helmet of Salvation – Guarding our minds with the assurance of salvation in Christ (Ephesians 6:17). 4. Speak Life, Not Death The enemy speaks death, but God speaks life. We must speak His Word over ourselves: • “I am more than a conqueror through Him who loves me” (Romans 8:37). • “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). • “Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Reflection Question Are there lies you’ve been believing about yourself? How can you replace them with God’s truth today? Prayer Father, I know I am in a battle that goes beyond what I can see. The enemy has tried to convince me that I am worthless, that I have no future, that I should give up. But today, I reject those lies in Jesus’ name. I declare that I am Yours. I put on the full armor of God, and I stand firm in Your truth. Help me recognize the enemy’s schemes and fight back with Your Word. Thank You that I am already victorious in Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen. A Word of Encouragement If you’ve been hearing the enemy’s lies, know this: You are not alone, and you are not powerless. Satan only attacks what he fears, and if he’s coming after you, it’s because there is a mighty calling on your life. Stand firm. Take up your armor. The battle is real, but Jesus has already won.