Does it seem like you are in a hidden place with darkness and an enemy breathing down your neck?
This is how we often feel during spiritual battles. But be encouraged there are strategies to fight spiritual battles.
Historically in times of war, snipers are skilled and trained to spot enemies from a concealed place. Snipers are concealed by darkness and are close to enemy territory.
But darkness brings out a sniper’s full potential to fight battles. In our darkest moments, God’s great strength helps us fight spiritual battles.
Not many people tolerate being hidden for long periods. It’s a lonely, dark place but with God by your side, you are never alone.
God is always with you, and He’s creating something powerful out of your story.
During spiritual battles, don’t fear the darkness. Your light in Christ pierces the darkness so you can overcome the enemy.
Communication During Spiritual Battles
During spiritual battles, we must have clear communication with God and supportive friends. But sometimes silence is also needed.
In spiritual battles, we learn the weapon of silence allows us to hear God.
Silence makes the enemy wonder what you are up to while God is giving you strategy.
Silence enables you to hear not only God’s still small voice but also analyze the enemy’s next plan of attack.
When the time comes to express your thoughts, fears and doubts, communicate even if others don’t understand or agree. Sharing our stories and struggles help us grow and strengthens our faith.
Strong communication and positive words during spiritual battles strengthen our support system. A team that moves as one is a dominating force.
Preparation for Spiritual Battles
Preparation for spiritual battles involves fortifying your castle, not letting the enemy in, but going out before he gets a foot in the door.
In preparation for battles, snipers will typically be sent out before the troops to assess the enemy camp. Every sniper has a spotter. At times, your friends are spotters; your eyes and ears to help assess danger and difficulty.
Being prepared is a lifeline for winning spiritual battles.
Recognize the real enemy is the relentless devil.
Time with God prepares us to face spiritual battles and avoid spiritual fatigue.
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world…”
Ephesians 6:12
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds”
2 Corinthians 10:4
Armor for Spiritual Battles
We receive our armor the moment we accept Christ.
Our armor is the picture of Christ. He is Truth. He is Righteousness.
Romans 13:14 encourages us to, “clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
We possess our armor, but prayer is the ENERGY that enables us to wear it.
Prayer is the universal weapon of warfare and is needed “at all times” (specific times, precise occasions, particular events) Our prayers must be fervent, specific, and personal.
Focusing on God clears away the clutter, minimizes distractions, and keeps you from being preoccupied with less important things.
The more specific the prayer –the better.
Prayer should never be the last line of defense, it should be the first line of offense
Strategies For Fighting Spiritual Battles
A strong relationship with Christ is the best strategy to fight spiritual battles. We grow closer to God and stronger in our faith by reading the Bible, through worship and prayer.
3 Powerful Strategies for Fighting Spiritual Battles
#1 Read and Study the Bible
An enemy is aiming at our faith – an enemy that seeks to tear down our confidence in God’s faithfulness.
But spiritual warfare helps us learn to rely on the Truth of God’s Word.
God is strengthening our endurance. Every time we face the fiery darts – the raging bullets that are aimed at our mind – we must deflect them with truth.
Whenever we find our thought-life spiraling out of control in some negative direction, we need to look to God’s Word to guide us back to the right path – to Truth!
“The enemy comes to lie, cheat, steal, and destroy, but I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full!”
John 10:10
The enemy says… Who are you trying to fool? You have nothing to offer.
God says,
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
The enemy says… You are such a hypocrite. You lose your temper and curse. . . You make mistakes – you talk without thinking…you act without praying.
You are such a joke of a Christian.
God says,
“All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
“There is none righteous. No not one.” Romans 3:10
“Apart from God, I have no good thing.” Psalm 16:2
“Apart from the Vine (Christ), I can do nothing.” John 15:5
“There is now therefore no condemnation for those that are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1
The enemy says… There you go again, testing God. Don’t you think He’s a little tired of you? How long do you think He will put up with you?
You can’t even maintain faith. Where is your faith? You talk like you trust God, but then you stress, hurry, worry, and seek comfort in other things…you are weak and foolish.
You’ll never learn. God won’t show you His favor now. You’ve blown it too many times…you aren’t worthy of His love.
God says,
“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love, He will no longer rebuke you but will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17
The enemy says… Nothing is going to work out for you. Look at your track record. Look at the mistakes you’ve made in the past. You’re hopeless.
God says,
“Forget not all His benefits!” Psalm 103:2
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19
“You will walk with strength and dignity; you will laugh in the days to come.” Proverbs 31:25
“He who began a good work in you shall be faithful to complete it.” Philippians 1:6
‘We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5
#2 Worship During Spiritual Battles
Throughout history, snipers have risen from obscurity to win wars.
One person stands out as the greatest sniper in the Bible: David, a shepherd boy, hidden in the hillsides of Judea.
David is trained by a bear and a lion and makes his debut with a giant named Goliath.
David becomes a sniper in the eyes of the Philistine army as he takes out Goliath with a slingshot and stone. He knew that giant would look good on his resume.
David was also a warrior as a scribe. His writings still pierce the darkness in our lives today.
David’s greatest weapon in his arsenal was worship. David was a full-time worshipper and part-time shepherd. He worshiped in secret, and God met him on the battlefield.
Worship didn’t keep David away from trouble. Worship brought God down into his troubles, and God never lost a battle.
In the wars that rage against us today, our greatest weapon is still to worship God during chaos.
Through worship, God comes and fills us with His love and presence, which can cause our worst enemies to surrender all to Jesus,
# 3 Prayer for Spiritual Battles
Father, thank you for giving us spiritual weapons to fight the spiritual attacks against us and our family.
But, Lord, forgive us when we have taken our focus off of you and begin to fight our own battles, waging war against those we love the most.
Father, we ask You to help us re-focus our attention on the real enemy. Give us discernment to his lies in the areas where we struggle.
Give us the courage to stand firm in the promises of Your Word as we fight through our prayers.
Jesus, give us patience so we may have peace knowing You are working on our behalf.
Thank You, Jesus, for helping us to stand firm. We pray and believe Your truth over our situations.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
Author
Nancy Luketich
Nancy is an on-air host for LifeSongs Radio in New Orleans. She thrives in the arena of using her voice to encourage others. To read more from Nancy visit blognancy@lifesongs.com.
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