Spiritual Warfare

A wise man is strong;Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength;For by wise counsel you will wage your own war,And in a multitude of counselors there is safety.

Proverbs 24:5-6 (NKJV)

“Wage your war.” Few of us women will ever fight on the battlefield. But be aware: there is a war raging around us. There is a battle raging to destroy our kids. There is a battle raging to destroy our concept of who we are as women, downgrading motherhood or virtue or respect for our husbands. There are battles and conflicts within our families, at work, in relationships, and even within ministries. Sometimes we definitely are facing war on many fronts. Now what we need to realize is that this is a spiritual war and must be fought, not with carnal resources, but with spiritual weapons and spiritual, godly counselors.

J. Vernon McGee gave this advice: “We need to know what the whole Bible says. We need to read Moses and Joshua and Samuel and David and Micah and Zechariah and Matthew and Paul and John. They are all our counselors. We can appeal to all of them at any time of decision.”

Second Corinthians 10:3-5 gives us wisdom that will make us strong and ready. “Though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (NKJV).

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

Many people misunderstand what spiritual warfare is. They think if their car breaks down or their kids lose their homework, it’s spiritual warfare. No. The enemy will only rattle your exterior circumstances if he thinks it will rattle you. Faith is a spiritual weapon. Obedience is a spiritual weapon against temptation. The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. Truth may not change your outward reality, but it can transform your inner reality. God’s truth shines light on the lie and helps you refocus on what is good and right and important.

One Year Bible Reading

Isaiah 48:12–50:11; Ephesians 4:17-32; Psalm 69:1-18; Proverbs 24:5-6