Have you ever felt like you were in battle and pursued by evil? These attacks can be experienced day and night by what the Bible describes as spiritual forces of evil.
Because to us the wrestling is not against blood and flesh,
but against the rulers, against the authorities,
against the cosmic powers of this darkness,
against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Sometimes, we may face evil forces that can deceive, provoke, distract, and even cause physical harm. However, the Bible provides a powerful defense against these attacks: FAITH. Faith is like a shield that forms part of the armor of God.
I had a crash course by demons wreaking havoc in my home and disrupting peaceful sleep. Each night I would wake up to the rattling of dressers and feel like someone was touching me. One night even my husband heard it. Because of this, I dreaded going to bed. I had prayed, told it to get out of our home in the name of Jesus, and it would, but then it would come back again. I was getting discouraged. I had to live with these disturbances for a while. God led me through prayer and fasting to make some hard changes in our household to keep unwelcomed evil from disrupting the peace.
Do you find yourself experiencing unexplainable other worldly activity in your home or workplace? When we are in the middle of a battle or strange circumstance we have to learn how to cope in that situation until it’s been resolved. The following three truths helped me through tough moments.
Deal with Fear
Fear can be paralyzing and hinder our ability to make sound decisions. Learning to engage faith when we are afraid takes skill. In one instance, Jesus taught His disciples concerning fear and faith while in a storm at sea.
A great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat,
so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern,
asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him,
“Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”
And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea,
“Peace! Be still!”
And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”
Have you ever felt this afraid? Call on Jesus, He’s there with you. You’re never alone. When you’re feeling distressed, instead of envisioning the worst, try envisioning Jesus beside you while taking some deep breaths. He calms us as well as our battle or storm.
Declare your Protection
As believers, we are equipped with the armor of God. However, it’s easy to forget that we have it on. When we intentionally recite each piece of the armor, we remind ourselves and the enemy of our preparedness.
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 firm.
Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth,
and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
and, as shoes for your feet,
having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
In all circumstances take up the shield of faith,
with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
and take the helmet of salvation,
and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.
Much like a warrior depends upon his armor to protect him during a battle, so do we rely on truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God to stand firm. If you feel like one piece is weakening, pray for a stronger one. Remember, this is a battle against the spiritual forces of evil. So, our weapons and armor are spiritual as well.
Decide to Eat
Choose to eat, even feast, with God during the trials of life.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
We still may have to deal with evil and crushing circumstances, but even so, we can eat a good meal in the presence of our enemies. We can enjoy the good God has placed in our lives. Ask God to show you if you can’t think of anything good. Life can be challenging sometimes, but it’s not without its joys.
In conclusion, remind yourself of these truths:
- Deal with Fear by envisioning Jesus beside you will help calm your nerves and allow you to take deep rhythmic breaths.
- Declare your protection by saying each piece of God’s armor aloud as a reinforcement.
- Decide to eat from the table God sets for you in the presence of your enemies by taking time to appreciate God’s blessings, even amid hardship.
One day when this battle is over, we will be better for it and have the tools to defeat evil when it comes our way. Through these trials, God helps us grow stronger, more knowledgeable, and closer to Him.
If you are in a battle and need prayer, please reach out to me. I will personally pray for you and send an encouraging word. Please don’t hesitate to fill out the form below or use Prayer form.
Ephesians 6:12BLB
Mark 4:37-40 ESV
Ephesians 6:13-18 ESV
Psalms 23:4-5 ESV
Your last piece of advice has me thinking: I can imagine the enemy is none too pleased if we feast on all things true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8) when he’s trying to bring us down. No doubt strong faith manifested by unstoppable joy would get on his nerves–all the more reason to embrace feasting!
I love that, yes, feast on everything Philippians 4:8. Strong faith and unstoppable joy. Thank you for bringing these truth to even brighter light Nancy.