When you hear the word ‘war’, what comes to mind? For me, the first image that comes to mind is two groups of people with swords, guns, helmets and shields just going at each other. As Christians, we’re involved in a war that we do not see. I love The Passion Translation of Ephesians 6:12 which says:
Your hand to hand combat is not with human beings, but with the highest principalities and authorities operating in rebellion under the heavenly realms. For they are a powerful class of demon-gods and evil spirits that hold this dark world in bondage.
There is this saying we all know that, “Ignorance is bliss” but in this case however, it is destruction. One of the enemy’s greatest strategy is to keep us thinking that it is fun and bliss. He is not here to play with us, he doesn’t feel sorry for us when we are down and defeated. Whether it is by constantly attacking us or allowing us to slumber in ignorance, so we are unprepared, but the enemy is out to get us!
1 Peter 5: 8 says:
Be well balanced and always alert, because your enemy, the devil, roams around incessantly, like a roaring lion looking for its prey to devour.
The ‘war’ for us comes in so many forms. For some, it may be something within that no one knows about such as anxiety, depression, addiction or fear and for some, it may be more tangible. The thing with us Christians is that, we love to murmur, we like to complain about our issues and have a pity party, but we are not actually dealing with these issues. If we want to walk in the fullness of the victory we have in Christ Jesus, we cannot be passive any longer. It’s time to wage war!
Who and what are we to wage war against? The purpose of us waging war is to enable us to take possession of and be everything that God has for us, both in the world and in the world to come. Therefore, anything and anyone that is a hindrance to that, we wage war against. Our main adversaries are the enemy and our flesh.
The Word tells us that: The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4)
Put on God’s complete set of armour provided for us so that you will be protected as you fight against the evil strategies of the accuser (Ephesians 6: 11).
So, you may ask, how do we wage war?
We Pray
The Word of God tells us that the weapons of our warfare are not physical, but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4 AMPC).
You cannot physically fight something with a spiritual root cause. Through communication with God, we are able ascertain what the battle plan is. It’s all good to wage war, but without a battle plan, you’re as good as finished.
We use the Word
One of the greatest weapons we have is the Sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. We need to sharpen it by using it and standing firm on it. We use it to counter the lies of the enemy.
We Discipline ourselves
We are to discipline our flesh and especially our thoughts. Just because we “feel” doesn’t mean we must, and we don’t have to entertain every single thought that comes into mind. We need to let the truth of the Word be our guide and make sure that every thought and decision is obedient and in alignment with this truth.
As children of God we have been on the defensive for too long! Now, it’s time for us to go on the offensive and take hold of the victory Christ won for us. With the help of God, we shall overcome.
God richly bless you!