For We Wrestle Not Against Flesh and Blood
Ever wonder why we pray, especially when things are still going well?
You might wonder, what’s the point, right?
Well, it turns out that life isn’t just about what we can see.
There are hidden battles we face, and prayer is one way of dealing with them.
That’s why we’re told to always take it seriously.
In Ephesians 6:12, Paul tells us that the challenges we face are not ordinary.
He emphasizes that this struggle is spiritual, not physical.
Our real foes aren’t human!
It’s not about fighting people we know – friends, family, or coworkers – but contending with spiritual forces.
For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.
Ephesians 6:12
Whom Are We Wrestling With?
Apostle Paul gives us a list of four enemies we fight against:
The devil and his strategies, the rulers, authorities, the forces of darkness in this world, and the spiritual adversaries in heavenly realms.
Think of this list as Satan’s team ranking. It shows that our enemy is well prepared and is on the offensive.
Even though we can’t see the battles, we can notice their effects in our world and sometimes in our own lives.
The Bible calls Satan, “the prince of this world”, “the ruler of the kingdom of the air”, “the spirit at work in the disobedient”, “the god of this age”, and “the accuser” of believers.
This is our true enemy.
Moreso, there are three things that make Satan’s team strong:
They wield power and control, they’re really bad and like to cause trouble, and they excel at tricking people.
Paul wants us to be careful because these tricky enemies can pretend to be good.
Sometimes they come disguised as angels of light or wolves in sheep’s clothing.
The idea of spiritual warfare can be scary; facing powerful and evil spiritual forces can feel overwhelming.
However, we have an advantage—a strategy that keeps us prepared for these times.
What’s the Strategy to Face the Enemy?
We’re in a spiritual fight, and in battles, you can’t afford to lower your guard; staying alert is crucial.
However, given our human limitations, we can’t rely on sheer strength to face such powerful and clever enemies.
Winning this battle seems impossible from a human perspective.
So, how do we navigate this?
Just like a soldier wouldn’t enter a battle without weapons, Believers shouldn’t either.
Our weaponry isn’t physical, but spiritual – it is the “Armor of God”.
You might recall Sunday School lessons about this armour.
So, since our struggle isn’t against people, we need the full armor of God to face the enemy and stand strong against him.
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. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.
In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Ephesians 6:13-18
Allow God to Fight For You
You don’t have to be alone in this fight.
While we deal with visible challenges like threats to our homes, families, savings, and country, there are still larger, unseen battles we can’t handle without God by our side.
Paul says we must “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power”.
God is stronger than any challenges we face, especially against the devil.
Even though our enemies might be tough, He gives us the same powerful help that raised Jesus Christ from the dead.
Our enemies are beaten because of Christ’s triumph on the cross.
Recall when David defeated the Philistines in battle.
When he faced Goliath, he understood that his real battle wasn’t against the mere warriors standing in front of him.
Goliath mocked David and cursed his God, saying, “Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?’
Come here,’ he said, ‘and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and the wild animals!’
But David, trusting in the strength and mighty power of the Lord was confident in what he carried to defeat the enemy.
The God who championed the Israelites through David still fights for us today.
Moreover, Jesus won the biggest battle by dying for our sins on the Cross.
In light of this, we can boldly affirm Romans 8:31.
What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?
Romans 8:31
