Fighting Battles that Are Unseen

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By Stacey Pinz

I have a magnet on my refrigerator that I realize I have read most mornings for a few years which says, “Be kind. For everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about'' (Toby Mac, Speaklife). We got the magnet at a Toby Mac concert back in 2020, and it has been on our fridge ever since.

This magnet is a reminder that in our faith journeys, we often encounter spiritual battles that leave us feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable, and they can manifest as doubt, fear, temptation, and even external challenges that seem insurmountable. However, rest assured, we are not alone in this struggle. God equips us with a powerful defense against spiritual warfare, providing us with His divine armor and the extraordinary weapon of prayer.

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. – Ephesians 6:11

Spiritual warfare is known as the unseen battle for our souls, waged by the forces of darkness led by Satan himself. It can manifest in various forms—internal struggles, external obstacles, or even attacks on our faith. The enemy's goal is to distract us from our relationship with God, leading us away from His love and grace.

For 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. – Ephesians 6:12

Speaking from experience, these battles are challenging, heart wrenching, and at times, debilitating, but thankfully God has not left us defenseless. In fact, He has provided us with His armor, as outlined in Ephesians 6:13-18:

1. Belt of Truth: Stand firm in God's truth. Embrace His Word as your guide and foundation.
2. Breastplate of Righteousness: Guard your heart with righteousness, living a life in accordance with God's will.
3. Shoes of the Gospel of Peace: Be prepared to share the good news of Christ, bringing peace wherever you go.
4. Shield of Faith: Trust in God's promises to deflect the fiery darts of doubt and fear.
5. Helmet of Salvation: Protect your mind with the assurance of salvation through Christ.
6. Sword of the Spirit (God's Word): Use Scripture as a weapon to counter the enemy's lies.
7. Prayer and Supplication: Engage in constant communication with God through prayer, seeking His guidance, and strength.

Satan's primary strategy in spiritual warfare is distraction. He seeks to divert our focus away from God, and he does this through leading us into anxiety, despair, or worldly pursuits. When we are distracted, our faith wavers, and we become vulnerable to the enemy's attacks.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. – 1 Peter 5:8

When facing spiritual warfare, prayer is not just a defense; when we pray, we are like the most powerful offensive line on a football team (it is football season). Through prayer, we draw near to God, aligning ourselves with His will and tapping into His strength. When we are down, Satan will continue to kick us, so we must rely on His strength so we can get back up and stay in the fight.

Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people. – Ephesians 6:18

Dear Lord,
We come before You, recognizing that we are in the midst of spiritual warfare. We acknowledge Your divine armor, and we put it on, trusting in Your protection. Fill us with Your truth, righteousness, and peace. Strengthen our faith as we wield the sword of Your Word. We lift our shields of faith to deflect the fiery darts of the enemy. Lord, when distraction seeks to pull us away from You, help us to remain steadfast. Empower us to pray without ceasing, to seek Your presence in the Word, and to lean on our community of believers.

We know that in You, we are never alone, and victory is assured. We thank You for Your love, grace, and unwavering support. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.


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Even though sometimes those distractions are powerful, and the battles are difficult, in the midst of spiritual warfare, we have the armor of God, the power of prayer, and a loving community of believers standing with us. Stay strong, for victory is ours through Christ.
 
As Vine and Branches Stories is a mission to help people share stories, we would be amiss if we did not talk about the importance of sharing about God’s provision and protection during hardship. Sharing our personal journey of facing spiritual warfare and relying on the armor of God to deflect the fiery darts can be a powerful source of encouragement and hope for others. When we open up about our experiences, we illuminate the path for those grappling with similar battles, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles. Our story becomes a testament to the strength and protection that Jesus provides against the schemes of the enemy. It shows that even in the midst of adversity, through faith and prayer, we receive divine help and safeguarding. Ultimately, our testimony serves as a beacon of hope, assuring others that, in Christ, victory over spiritual warfare is not only attainable but an integral part of our journey of faith.