The Reality of Spiritual Warfare

I’m convinced now more than ever that Christians need accurate theology and biblical understanding for this unique historical time.

We need to clearly understand the worth of Jesus and give our full yes to following Him no matter the cost, like true disciples. Claiming the name of Christ is an act of war in the spiritual realm and not membership in a club.

Soldiers know that when they sign up, they agree to fight for their country to the death if necessary. They have counted the cost and given their yes. Therefore, they are not surprised by the difficulty in the training designed to equip them to be successful and increase their chances of survival.

I’ve lived enough life to have experienced heartbreak and suffering. The key was that I was never alone, and in time, as only the Lord can, the experiences brought ultimate blessing.

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the Lord.”

Isaiah 54:17 NKJV

I experienced the truth of this verse powerfully during my first bout of covid in February 2021 when we were still learning how to treat it. My small group leader at the time kept declaring this over me and encouraging me to speak it over myself as I slept for almost two weeks straight.

I felt miserable, and it took another week to be semi-functional. It took nearly a year for my taste not to be distorted so I could enjoy coffee again. Some may question God about such “suffering” as a Christian.

The blessing of this experience was I became more dependent on Holy Spirit during these months than on my morning coffee. This challenging time yielded much growth and fruit. I experienced God being more potent than my caffeine and that I truly live on the Word of God (Matthew 4:4).

“For the Lord has a hidden storehouse of wisdom made accessible to his godly ones. He becomes your personal bodyguard as you follow his ways, protecting and guarding you as you choose what is right.”

Proverbs 2:7-8 TPT

Wisdom is available through Holy Spirit to navigate any situation and buffering the attack from the absolute worst case. Even if the worst case occurs, grace and provision will be available to those who choose rightly.

In Daniel 3, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did what was right in continuing to worship God and not the idol of the Nebuchadnezzar statue.

“Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. He spoke and commanded that they heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated.”

Daniel 3:19 NKJV

The boys faced the fire yet were delivered through them by the Angel of the Lord.

“Then Nebuchadnezzar went near the mouth of the burning fiery furnace and spoke, saying, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here.” Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego came from the midst of the fire. And the satraps, administrators, governors, and the king’s counselors gathered together, and they saw these men on whose bodies the fire had no power; the hair of their head was not singed nor were their garments affected, and the smell of fire was not on them.”

Daniel 3:26-27 NKJV

The fire had no power over them, and they did not even smell of fire, which anyone whose been around a firepit knows is miraculous. Then the boys were offered protection to continue to worship God and promoted by Nebuchadnezzar. I’m sure the Lord was pleased with their faithfulness, which was of greater importance.

Lord, give us a growing understanding of who You are and Your ways so we may have the wisdom to stay faithful to You no matter the cost. Give us the grace to count the cost of following You and giving our lives for You and Your Kingdom because You alone are worthy. May we keep our eyes fixed on You through the hard times and know You will never leave or forsake us. We love you, Jesus. In Your mighty name, we pray. Amen.

Copyright © 2023 Alison Lewis, A Secret Spring. All rights reserved.