War Not a Game!

Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 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. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Ephesians 6:11-13

The ebb and flow of Spiritual Warfare is a truth worth noting for every believer. There are days when you feel the strength of God flowing through every fiber of your body. Life seems to be one victorious moment after another! You become convinced that you have ascended right to the top of True Spirituality and nothing will ever get in your way of overcoming the odds! Many times these days are very soon after you turn your heart to Jesus and begin your walk of faith.

Then comes the “day of evil” spoken of in Ephesians 6. It is the day when you confidently step out of the boat and you begin to sink. What has changed? Did you do something wrong? Has God abandoned you? How could it be that suddenly you morphed from being an over comer to being overwhelmed? For a while you refuse to admit that it is happening. You have been told that if you ignore it maybe it will go away, but it does not.

This is when your heart is tested and you can clearly see the results of the test. When you are on the offense in battle and there is no incoming fire, then war can be exhilarating. But when the shots are returned and the incoming missiles are landing around you and you see the carnage of war, exhilaration can quickly turn to terror and fear.

Spiritual Warfare is real. In fact, Spiritual Warfare is the cosmic reality out of which came all wars. The struggle between righteousness and evil will come to an end, and righteousness will win, but the battle is no less real.

Every temptation with which you are confronted today is a part of that war. When you stand firm and wield the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God, the war is one encounter closer to its end. In your struggle against sin you are not alone, but know that it is war not a game.