Have you ever noticed that your challenges seem to grow the more you seek God? Have you ever wondered why things seem to get more difficult in your life even when you’re intentional about your time with God? Or perhaps you are new to having a relationship with God or working to renew it, but find yourself feeling defeated by seemingly worldly issues. It is during these times that it is important to remember God’s warning to us about spiritual warfare.
When my husband and I began Rooted at The Village earlier this year, we were warned about spiritual warfare the first night. I remember doubting this warning entirely and thinking spiritual warfare wouldn’t happen to me even if it was real. Spoiler alert: my pride and arrogance proved wrong. As I continue to grow in my relationship with God, I realize how very real spiritual warfare is and its enormous impact on our lives.
Why?
1 Peter 5: 8-9 warns us that “the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Hearing this, I guess that if you haven’t already started, you can easily recall moments in your own life when the enemy was seeking to destroy you. This is because Satan wants to keep us, including you, from God. He is the enemy, opposite to all of God’s love and plans for us, and he will try to ruin those working to advance God’s kingdom at all costs. As warriors for God, we can certainly expect his attacks.
The closer we walk with God, the more Satan’s mission is at stake. You will feel him up the ante and begin to hit you harder, seeking to drive you away from God. This warfare may come packaged in many worldly forms, such as temptation. But we also know from 2 Thessalonians 3: 3,
“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”
What Can We Do?
Therefore, when we remain obedient and faithful to God, we have his strength and protection. God is more powerful than Satan; He can defeat him, He will defeat him! So during all times, including when we are under attack, we must not turn from our Father.
We must seek to walk closer to our Father, keeping our eyes on Him for guidance. We must remain diligent and intentional in growing our relationship with Him through prayer and spending time with Him. Don’t ever forget we can call upon the Holy Spirit to guide us. God tells us to dawn the armor (Ephesians 6: 10-18) that He has provided us, which includes reading the Word.
It is also important to surround ourselves with other believers, joining Lifegroups and attending church. Through these weapons, all rooted in the love and protection of Our God, we can overcome the enemy’s advances.
And, as my church family warned me, remember that the enemy attacks in response to our work for God. How great your work for God must be for the enemy to attack you so viciously!
