Do you really know what is going on?

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of the age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 NKJV

Strife. Conflict. Do you really know what is going on? Are you able to step back and look at the situation with spiritual eyes? It may be conflict in the home, at school, in the workplace, in the neighbourhood, in the government, in the nation or globally. 

In Ephesians, Paul tells us that this isn't a fight against people. No, it is a spiritual battle that we are involved in, whether we are aware of it or not. 

For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere. Ephesians 6:12 AMP

It is a very real battle. There is on who is looking to devour us, to draw us away from the beautiful, loving, life-giving, growing relationship we have with Jesus.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8 NKJV

I vividly recall a battle time, a few years ago just after we had received news about Victoria, that the tumour was growing for the third time. It was early one morning, and I was sitting at my desk, praying for Victoria. I sensed a darkness, a challenge, do you really believe your God will deliver on what His word promises? It was very tangible presence, almost as if an army of darkness was surrounding me, questioning me, did I really believe? Asking me - who really had the victory? Taunting me - aren't you going to give up now? How do you know that your God can and will do what you are asking?

My response was something like, 'She is a child of God, hands off, you have no authority over her life, or over this family. Go in the Name of Jesus.'

The physical fight for life was preceded by a very real spiritual fight.  It was a time of standing firm on the promises of God, regardless of what we were seeing in the natural.

Therefore put on God's complete armour, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place]. 

Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God, 

And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace. 

Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one]. 

And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God.

Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people).  Ephesians 6:13-18 AMP

I don't know about you, but when I read these scriptures from Ephesians, they make me feel invincible - look at what God has provided for us as we wrestle each day in this spiritual battle. He has provided it all, and He has given us the victory through Jesus. 

Our part is to be alert and be prepared, know the authority we have in Jesus and to be able to discern what is happening in the spiritual realm of our lives.

Let's pray,

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Your Son Jesus to earth and that through His death and resurrection He overcame darkness. Thank you that when we receive Jesus as our Lord and Saviour we receive that same authority to overcome. Please teach us to use that authority wisely. 

Thank you for the armour you have provided us with, available to use every day and night in this battle for our growing relationship of intimacy with You, and for the salvation and protection of those we love. 

Please give us more discernment to see what is happening in the spiritual realm over our lives, and in the bigger sphere of cities, countries and this world You created.  

Please help us to remember always and only that is in Your strength that we can overcome and experience victory. 

In Jesus Name we pray, Amen.

In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides]. Ephesians 6:10 AMP