“(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)” 2 Corinthians 10:4

“Spiritual warfare is the putting aside of passive attitudes towards faith which keep us from commitment and cause us to pursue only those things that will benefit us. Instead of seeking our own agenda, we submit our will to God and accept the sacrifices He calls us to make.”  -Spiritual Warfare Ministries

The daily walk of the Christian solider is not one of ease; spiritual warfare is real. The work that we have been called to do, in the upbuilding of God’s kingdom opposes the arch enemy of our souls. Satan and all his demonic forces use every subtle means to stop our spiritual growth and furtherance of the gospel. ‘For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12.

He deceitfully uses things, people, and any circumstance to shake our faith in God. Watch out for the tendency to contend with others- never forget who the real enemy is! “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” 1 Peter 5:8-9.

Stay focused, prayerful, and in alignment with your God given purpose; this helps us to see through the devil’s smoke screen of lies- subtly sent through the pride of life, lust of the eye, and lust of the flesh. But…all is not lost-we have been equipped with strength and all the spiritual weaponry needed to win this fight; so, stand strong, the good news is that the battle is not ours it is the Lords! “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of  the devil.” Ephesians 6:10-11.

God wins! He is able to tear down every demonic stronghold that comes against us; our first recourse is to humble ourselves and let Him lead the way… Satan is quite pleased when we think that we are capable of defeating him on our own…but these things are cast down by the power of our Christ and the Holy Spirit that lives within!  “Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6.

So, be vigilant, staying on guard, because the enemy of our souls, is fervently seeking to place us in bondage through such things as fear, anxiety, depression, feelings of inadequacy, loneliness, and wherever our weakness lies the most; these are all strongholds to keep us down! But let the words of Philippians 4:13 encourage and strengthen your hearts for the fight ahead “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

My friends, we have the victory in Jesus…as Martin Luther wrote- A Mighty Fortress is Our God!

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;

Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:

For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;

His craft and pow’r are great, and, armed with cruel hate, On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing,

Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing:

Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;

Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same, And He must win the battle.

                                                                                                                                           – Martin Luther

Blessings of peace, joy and God’s amazing grace be with us all.