Day 4: Not Against Flesh and Blood

What forces of darkness hold power in our world?

It can be tempting to take a stand against other people who upset us or cause harm. And sometimes people are responsible for a great deal of hurt in our lives. But the true spiritual battle is not about people! It’s about the systems, authorities, and powers that darken this world.

How can we join the struggle against the forces of evil?

Consider this photograph.

Andrea Diaz-Perezache was in Costa Rica when she took this moving photograph titled Fighting the Battle. The woman in this picture saw an indigent man in the crowd and felt drawn to pray for him. When she approached him and asked his permission to pray, he was so moved that he began to cry.

Andrea writes: "Daily life is a battle, and we all wage it in different ways.” Prayer is essential, says Andrea, “an indispensable weapon to fight and walk through life. We go out and live the life God wants us to live and help anyone in need. This image shows the very action for which we have been called: to help our neighbor, to lift him up, and to heal his wounds.”

Who is God drawing you to help and encourage?
How can you fight against the powers and forces of evil today?