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

According to the 1828 Webster’s Dictionary, warfare is defined as “the struggle with spiritual enemies”. 

Have you ever been in a conflict or had a disagreement with someone? Chances are you have. Disagreements are inevitable in any type of relationship whether it’s with a family member, a spouse, a close friend, a co-worker, or business partner. By human nature, we are flawed people, so conflicts are bound to happen. The same can be said for the Christian. If you are a believer in Christ, you will experience conflict or for lack of a better term, you will encounter spiritual warfare. The Bible tells us in 2 Timothy 3:12, Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

Spirirual warfare can take on different forms such as fierce opposition, persecution, intimidation, and animosity. Personally, I’ve suffered from all of these things at the hands of people who strongly oppose my Christian beliefs. Dealing with this type of satanic opposition can be emotionally and physically draining. There were times where my back was up against the wall while I was gripped with fear, sadness, and even anger. I’ve allowed these attacks to get the best of me. My eyes slowly shifted from Jesus to the situation I was in, and for a brief moment, I lost sight of what needed to be done in my service to the Lord.

Spiritual warfare is very real, so it’s vital for you to cling tightly to the Lord and pray to Him for peace, wisdom, strength, guidance, and direction. Remember, this is not your battle, it belongs to the Lord. He will fight for you and He will win for He is a Victorious and Mighty King.

2 Chronicles 20:15b Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 

Exodus 14:14 The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.

Deuteronomy 3:22 You must not fear them, for the Lord your God Himself fights for you. 

Also, keep those individuals in prayer who afflict you. In my situations, I prayed for the Lord to repay those people who have caused me anguish and emotional distress in my life. Even though vengeance belongs to the Lord, He showed me that my prayer was not a good reflection of His heart. Instead, I should follow and live out the exhortation and command found in Matthew 5:44, But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you. Honestly, this is easier said than done. And truth be told, I would rather not do this, but as a child of God, I’m held to a higher standard and my actions should model the example of Christ. With God’s strength, I’m able to view people through His eyes and love them as He loves them while exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Galatians 5:22-23a But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.

Matthew 5:10-12 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 

Ladies, don’t allow spiritual warfare to overwhelm you or knock you off your God-ordained course. If you are walking with the Lord, warfare is expected! Hold fast to Him, read His Word, pray for God’s peace, pray for godly wisdom and discernment, pray for those who persecute you (remember, they need Jesus just as much as you do), seek prayer from other believers, trust the Lord, believe and know that He’s with you, keep your focus on Him, and persevere in doing His will. The Lord will reward you for your obedience and He will give you the strength to stand and endure. He is Faithful!

John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

Ephesians 6:13-18 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. 

2 Kings 6:16-17 So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, and said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.