Understanding Spiritual Warfare: Victory Through God's Presence, Prayer, and SurrenderSample

Be Aware of the Battle

Whether we realize it or not, we live on a battlefield. In fact, in a very real way we are a battlefield. A fight between supernatural forces that began in eternity past is being waged in our hearts as well as in the world around us.

I’m not trying to be overly dramatic or to cause you any fear. If we are part of God’s Kingdom, then we are on the winning side! But we must understand the reality and nature of spiritual warfare to live in the full freedom and power God intends for us.

To do that, we need to go back to the beginning, before humanity existed, to the point in eternity when heaven itself experienced war. Lucifer, a high-ranking angel in heaven, had become discontent and prideful. He exalted himself above God (Isaiah 14:12, Ezekiel 28:14-17). It’s hard to imagine how a created being, no matter how important or powerful, could stand in the very presence of God and think, “I deserve more.”

But pride is a powerful drug, and Lucifer wanted glory. So, he and those angels who joined him went to war against God himself. Lucifer and his army lost the fight and were cast out of heaven to earth.

In one sense, the battle was over right then. Heaven and earth had seen firsthand that nothing could withstand the power of God. But in another sense, the battle hadn’t ended. It had just changed locations.

Satan, defeated but not powerless, is still active on earth. Rather than attacking God again, he’s doing the next most destructive thing he can by going after God’s creation.

That’s us. You and I were born into a war zone. The war that began before we existed is now being fought around us and in us. Satan couldn’t take heaven from God, so instead he’s attacking God’s image on earth.

As we begin this series on spiritual warfare, we start by recognizing that the battle is real. Satan would love for us to ignore his influence. After all, if we are oblivious to an enemy’s existence, then we won’t be on our guard against him.

Today, ask God to open your eyes to the unseen battle around you. Invite the Holy Spirit to give you discernment and to prepare your heart for growth and victory.

Then, commit to stand firm against the enemy, knowing that though Satan may fight, he is already a defeated foe. We can defeat his schemes and live in the victory Jesus bought for us.

Reflection Questions

1. Take a moment to ask God to open your eyes to see reality from his perspective. Are there any situations in your life right now that might have an unseen spiritual component God wants you to be aware of?
2. Can you think of a thought you’ve had today that might have come from the enemy, not God? How is the Holy Spirit prompting you to counter that thought?