Spiritual Warfare Begins with Standing in Christ

There are seasons in our lives that we can feel spiritual warfare more strongly than other times. Sometimes it comes through discouragement, fear, confusion, accusation, division, or unexpected resistance. For missionaries and ministry leaders, we can also feel that the opposition becomes stronger when we are trying to obey God and move forward with the gospel. The Bible reminds us that our struggle is not ultimately against people. Paul says in Ephesians 6:12 that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Spiritual warfare is real, but Scripture does not call us to become focused on darkness. It calls us to be deeply rooted in Christ.

Jesus Himself also experienced spiritual warfare. Before He began His public ministry, He was led into the wilderness and was tempted by the devil for forty days. Satan attacked His identity as the Son of God, challenged His trust in the Father, and even offered Him the kingdoms of the world if He would worship him. Every time, Jesus responded with the Word of God. He did not panic, strive, or allow the enemy to define who He was. Jesus knew who He was and He knew who His Father was. I think this is very important for us because spiritual warfare is not always dramatic. Many times, the real battle is over our identity, our trust in God, and whether we will continue to obey Him when things become difficult.

The enemy can speak lies such as, “God has forgotten you,” “You are alone,” “Your ministry is not going anywhere,” or “You need to prove yourself.” Sometimes we can feel the pressure to make things happen by our own strength. However, Jesus shows us another way. We stand on what the Father has already spoken. We do not need to fight for our identity because our identity is already found in Christ. We do not need to strive for victory because Jesus has already won the victory through His death and resurrection.

There is a difference between fighting for victory and standing from victory. Our confidence does not come from how loudly we pray, how much we know about spiritual warfare, or whether we understand every strategy of the enemy. Our confidence is in Jesus. The goal of spiritual warfare is not to become more aware of darkness than we are aware of God. It is to remain faithful to Christ when darkness tries to pull our attention away from Him. Paul’s instruction in Ephesians 6 is actually very practical. He tells believers to put on the armor of God, to stand in truth and righteousness, to have faith, to remember our salvation, to use the Word of God, and to keep praying. Sometimes the most powerful spiritual warfare is simply continuing to obey God when everything around us is telling us to give up.

Prayer is also an important part of spiritual warfare, but prayer is not about trying to convince God to do something. Prayer is partnership with God. Paul often asked believers to pray for him as he carried the gospel into different places. He asked for open doors, boldness, protection, and for the gospel to spread. He understood that mission and intercession belong together. Those who go need those who pray, and those who pray become part of what God is doing through those who go. Someone praying faithfully in a home, a church, or a small prayer meeting can be partnering with a missionary who is serving thousands of miles away.

There is real spiritual opposition in this world, but there is an even greater reality: Jesus is Lord. The kingdom of darkness is not equal to the Kingdom of God. We do not need to live intimidated by what the enemy may be doing. Instead, we can ask, “Jesus, what are You doing here? How can I agree with You? What truth do You want me to stand on? Who can I pray for today?” Spiritual warfare begins with knowing who God is and knowing who we are in Him.

Wherever you are serving today, remember that you do not stand alone. You do not fight in your own strength, and you do not need to be afraid of darkness. Stand in Christ, stay close to Jesus, keep praying, and keep moving forward with the gospel.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You that You have already overcome the powers of darkness. Teach us to stand firmly in Your truth and not to be controlled by fear, accusation, or discouragement. Help us to keep our eyes on You and remain faithful in prayer. Strengthen missionaries and ministry leaders around the world today. Give them courage, protection, open doors, endurance, and joy as they carry Your gospel. Amen.

Scripture References:

Ephesians 6:10–18; Matthew 4:1–11; 1 Thessalonians 2:18; Colossians 2:15.