We all go through challenges and periods when it seems the universe has aligned against us. Over the past year many have struggled with restrictions precipitated by the COVID 19 pandemic and statistics show that depression and suicide have increased. Social media can bring out the worst in people as many lash out at others under the cloak of impunity, mocking and belittling those who don’t agree with their opinion. It is critical to maintain our composure and treat each other with the respect and love we all deserve always, and times like the ones we are presently in are especially crucial.
Often when the going gets tough we blame God for our hardship. I’m sure you’ve heard it said that a loving God would not allow bad things to happen to good people. Nothing could be further than the truth. Not many lay blame at the foot of Satan for their sufferings. We were all created with the freedom of choice. That freedom facilitates not only the flexibility to make choices that have positive outcomes but also ones that produce failure. We must also realize there are constant spiritual battles taking place all around us that influence our experiences, choices and infiltrate our very thoughts and perceptions.
Our struggles with low self-esteem, depression, failure and temptation are all assaults by the devil so we are called to be vigilant. “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8. We must remember what we have in Christ when we face spiritual battles. There is no name under heaven greater than the name of Jesus, therefore, we must claim his victory as our own. Spiritual battles require spiritual armor, so in the same way that we wouldn’t go onto a physical battlefield unarmed and without armor, we must equip ourselves for the unseen.
“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 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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:12-17.
Knowing the power we have in Christ Jesus liberates us from the deception of the devil, and frees us from the mendacity that we are insignificant pawns in a greater theater of meaning. John wrote that we should not fear spiritual attacks, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4. Furthermore, Jesus confirmed this with his proclamation that, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” Mathew 28:18.
If mankind never acknowledges that we are spiritual beings, we will never realize the battles we fight are of a much greater significance and are of a much deeper imputation than is apparent on the surface. In our naivety the decisions we make will be based upon incomplete information and are therefore limited in their potential. We will remain unequipped to solve our problems and be at the mercy of the dark forces at work all around us and by viewing our struggles as non-spiritual we will seek non-spiritual solutions. With all of our technological advances and our increase in knowledge, society embraces and celebrates the human spirit yet seems oblivious to the spirituality of man.
Furthermore, unless we acknowledge that we are in a war, we will never fully appreciate just how real the battles being fought are and how much impact they carry into our lives. In turn, our worldview is much more holistic when we realize that the physical realm is just one component of a much larger existence and what we say and do on earth influences our eternal destiny. Without this important ingredient, our lives are spiritually dead. Without awakening to this reality, we cannot comprehend that there are hidden forces battling to influence the outcome of our lives and civilization. Without this fundamental understanding, we render ourselves impotent in struggles that involve our welfare and that of our friends and family. Without this realization, we will never see the blindfolds that have been in place both personally and on society collectively. Without discernment that only comes from the Lord we are fair game for our adversaries. “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:6.
Believers in Christ are called to emulate him in the way that we live and that means having love and compassion for each other. Resisting the temptation to kick someone when they are down and instead help them get back up. Its the little things that add up to making a huge difference so be kind and empathetic when we see our fellow man in turmoil and suffering. Fight back at the devil and his schemes that would have us believe we are all nothing more than animals, competing for space and food.
Comprehending the nature of how our adversary the devil endeavors to drive us away from God helps to rationalize the spiritual war going on, and focusing on our Creator and his love for us provides the strength to win the battles. Love is more powerful than anything, because God is love. Only love can break down the devil’s strongholds and the evil running rampant in our world. Only love can feed the hungry and clothe the poor. Only love can make us whole and complete and it all begins with one act of kindness to someone who is struggling.
