Have you ever taken the time to study your weapons for warfare? In the book of Ephesians, we have been given a step-by-step strategic blueprint of how to fight the enemy when we embark upon a spiritual battle.
Anytime soldiers are gearing up to go to war, the captain in charge goes over the battle plan before engaging the enemy at hand. As Christians, we have been enlisted in a fight. And our weapons of warfare are not carnal – they are spiritual. Second Corinthians 10:3-4 reminds us,
“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For our weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.”
The battles we face in life can take many forms. They can be a battle against fleshly desires, a battle of martial struggles, a battle with wayward or lost children, a battle of lack of finances, sickness, or disease, or a spiritual battle where it feels like all hell is breaking loose in your life.
Nevertheless, we are not alone in the battle. We have the Almighty God with us, who is the Captain of any warfare we face. He has laid out the battle plan for us in scripture, and for a moment, I want us to take a closer look at the armor that has been given to us to stand strong against the strategies of Satan and the flesh.
7 Ways to Stand Strong in a Spiritual Battle
1. Put on your belt of truth.
Arm yourself with the truth and integrity. If your belt is loose, it’s time to tighten it up. In other words, if it’s loose with lies, tighten it up. If it’s loose with hidden secrets, tighten it up. If it’s loose with slander, tighten it up. If it’s loose with gossip, tighten it up. The enemy will use these strategies against you to try to kill your witness or destroy relationships. Remember, the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. So, take time to put on your belt of truth and fasten it tight in these evil days. Ephesians 6:14 says,
“Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth.”
2. Put on Your Breastplate of Righteousness.
Guard your heart. Proverbs 4:23 instructs,
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
The issues of life stem from the heart. So, if you’re struggling with sin, it stems from the heart. I tend to say, “God is big on the heart.” Allow the Holy Spirit to help you safeguard your heart. Living righteously protects your heart and steadies your stance.
3. Put on Your Shoes of Peace.
Many nations are now at war, and more are calling for it. It’s chaotic. Many shout and protest in the streets, “We want peace!” In life, we encounter wars, both natural and spiritual. In hard times, we long for peace in the midst of turmoil. If life is a little chaotic for you right now, I want to encourage you to read and remember the gospel message. It will bring you peace as you stand in battle.
4. Hold up Your Shield of Faith.
Trusting in the Lord is faith. Jeremiah 17:7-8 encourages,
“Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water.”
Stand strong like the strongest tree. Don’t waver. Don’t bend. Stand your ground and intercept Satan’s fiery darts of doubt, shame, despair, and hopelessness by protecting yourself with faith.
5. Put on Your Helmet of Salvation.
If you have accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior, put on the mind of Christ. Remember that you are saved. You are a child of God. You are a Kingdom warrior who has the victory over sin and death. Don’t ever forget that. Stand your ground and hold your position.
6. Take the Sword of the Spirit
Whenever you are in a battle, the word of God will be your greatest weapon against the enemy and the trials before you. Also, keep in mind that we wrestle not against flesh and blood. So, speak the word over yourself. Speak the word over your family. Speak the word over your financial situation. Speak the word over your nation. When Satan tempted Jesus, He said, “It is written.” The enemy had no other choice but to flee. Stand with your Sword raised up!
7. Pray.
Prayer is a weapon against Satan's schemes and strategies. Pray to the One who can change things in your life. God is up. He doesn’t sleep nor slumber. He is always watching and waiting for his warriors to come to him for help and plan an attack against the enemy. So, pray as you stand in battle. I want to echo the words of the apostle Paul found in Ephesians 6:13,
“Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.”
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