Spiritual Warfare

I have been listening to the book "This Present Darkness", by Frank Peretti and have been challenged in my earthly thinking. As humans, we "normally" do not see the spiritual warfare that is occurring around us. We live in our physical world and trust that what we see is... what we get. However, thinking about the work of the angels (God's messengers and doers of HIS will) and the evil work and deeds of the demons (satan's helpers in his deception and anti-Christ ways) I am reminded, we are not alone as humans.

In this book I am listening to on CD, the demons' voices are harsh and scary, but as I ponder the reader's interpretation, I definitely wonder at the accuracy of the "harsh and scary" voices chosen. One reason being is that satan is deceptive. He would not always use something harsh and scary to draw us into sin. Sometimes, when people are freakishly drawn to horrible images, yes, that could be accurate, but for the most part, I think satan uses appealing ways to draw us into darkness. Think about a seductive voice or how beauty can be used to pull someone into pornography or adultery, are they not alluring and attractive? Only when the true reality of the darkness seeps into us, and the Holy Spirit reveals the darkness of those evil ways, does the true ugliness come forth.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 (NIV)

13For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. 14And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.

I want "my" reality to be accurate and be illuminated by God's Holy Word. I want to see the world as God wants me to see it, so that I can be of service to and for HIM. I do not want to make excuses for my sin and I do not want to live in ignorance of it either. It scares me in some ways to ask God to reveal HIS truth to me. It means I will have the responsibility to act on that truth and to live out that truth in every way. With more knowledge comes more responsibility. Am I ready to know all the ways evil is thrown at me and how I need to resist it all? Am I ready to be sensitive to the spiritual battles that surround me and be in constant prayer for those struggling? Am I ready to give my life for the cause of Christ, so that HIS work can be accomplished? I need to answer that question with a bold: YES. But sometimes I feel I answer that question with a little wimpy... "maybe". So today, I am going to be bold and say: YES. I will trust Christ for the strength to say that every day going forward. I cannot rely on my strength, only HIS.

Ephesians 6:11-20 (NIV)

11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For 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. 13Therefore 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. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.