Spiritual warfare brings to mind images of the Arch Angels fighting at the gates of Heaven. While your days may not involve an actual physical battle, chances are good you are continuously faced with elements of spiritual warfare. From temptations to continuous fights with yourself about what is right and wrong, it is critically important to recognize and know how to overcome these challenges.
In Ephesians 6:12, we learn, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” It is a warning to be mindful of our hearts.
Recognizing the signs of spiritual warfare in your life enables you to take action now, guarding against the negative potential outcomes. It is critical to know that God provides you with very specific instruction through His Word. These instructions support your ability to make better decisions and live a strong faith-based life. Yet, the dark forces working against you are not waiting for you to be ready for battle. They attack daily, relentlessly, and often with an intensity that is hard to match.
Take a look at five common signs of spiritual warfare that may be masked in your daily life’s battles.
An Onslaught of Trials and Losses
Consider the story of Job, a noted righteous man the devil set out to tempt and pull from God’s flock. The devil was certainly aggressive, taking everything from Job possible, enticing him, and causing him pain. Yet, Job knew God would never let the darkness have full control.
No matter how intense and incredibly challenging the world is around you, no matter how many battles you face each day, recognize that you can continue to trust in God.
Your spiritual warfare is a constant amount of pressure in your day, pushing you through one battle after another. From job loss to unfair treatment to people who seem to always make things worse than they should be – you are battling daily against what seems like an onslaught of “bad.”
You Are Tired
When physical fatigue does not define what you feel throughout the day, but you experience a relentless amount of exhaustion from the world around you, that is spiritual warfare, pushing and pulling you in every direction.
Fatigue is a sign of weariness, a battle that seems to never end or improve. The Bible provides many examples of this type of constant strife and challenges. When you are experiencing fatigue, consider the story of the Babylonians carrying God’s people of Israel out of their country. Though God protected them for so long, eventually, He withdrew His protections from them, pushing them to exile.
This created despair and led people to believe that God was no longer concerned about their well-being. That was when Isaiah was sent to them.
In Isaiah 40:27-29, we learn, “Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God”? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”
Intense Fear and Darkness
The world can feel incredibly dark and desperate. You may be facing spiritual warfare through the development and intensifying of anxiety and fear in all aspects of your life. Mood disorders, depression, and other forms of mental illness are all attacks on your mind and soul.
These are instances in which you face a targeting by Satan, and he will make his way into your life, causing you to act in ways you never thought you would.
The story of Elijah offers a look at the reality here. He was a man of God, battled against numerous challenges, and had many victories and successes. Yet, he ran in fear for his life; despair captured his mind and body, and it seemed like everything he achieved he had forgotten. In I Kings 19, we learn about God’s love and patience, coming to Elijah to give him strength and mercy.
Temptation
Spiritual warfare is often, at the heart, about temptation. Life is challenging, and sometimes the “easy” way seems like the only option. This is Satan encouraging you to trust yourself and your abilities rather than to put faith in God.
Consider Proverb 16:18, which shares, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” It is simple and quite clear that being tempted and trusting in our own abilities leads to the direct downfall we face.
Feelings of Guilt and Condemnation
Your life feels like it is ruined. The mistake you made years ago (or even just yesterday) is all-consuming. This form of spiritual warfare is often difficult to see because it can feel like a slow-building pain. Consider what is happening, though.
God tells us many times in the Bible that this is simply not true. In Romans 8:1, for example, He says, “There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Guilt may seem so invasive, but it does not have to be the end of your story.
How to Protect Against Spiritual Warfare
God offers a plan for you when you face such hardships. He does not leave you alone to manage or to find your way out. Through the Word of God, you will find the steps to take to honor your beliefs and stand against the lies Satan is feeding you.
The best way to protect against and fight back against spiritual warfare is to remain present in God. Read His Word. Feel His presence in your life. Surround yourself with Jesus's promises. He is constantly fighting for us, with us, even when there is so much against you. Pray, read the Bible, and strengthen your ability to remain true to your beliefs.
