Theology professor Don Thorsen defines spiritual warfare as direct, supernatural conflict, whether by angels or humans, with Satan and demons, involving fervent prayer and, on some occasions, exorcism.
And many of the Methodists just got really uncomfortable.
I admit that I experiment when I pray. I ask the Holy Spirit to guide me, and I pray big. Sometimes I feel the power and presence of God so strongly I can hardly stand up. Other times I feel alone and my prayers don't seem to make it past the ceiling. I'm not sure why that's the case, but I remind myself that I need to walk by faith, not by sight (or feelings). My perception of what's happening spiritually when I pray doesn't always paint an accurate picture of what's going on in the spiritual realm. Based on my experience, the "wilderness" prayer times can accomplish a lot.
Sometimes I sense a "cloud" over my prayers, and I feel led to pray to break through it. There are many times when I feel led to speak directly to enemy forces I perceive to be working in a situation. But I've learned not to casually pick fights with the enemy. Unless I'm willing to assert my authority and pray through a situation completely (including fasting when God leads), I may be subjecting myself to counter-attacks and backlash. And If such diabolical tactics aren't anticipated and recognized, my faith is sure to take a beating. (Not to mention, I'll probably avoid spiritual warfare in the future simply out of fear.)
I was playing basketball with two friends Saturday at a nearby park. A guy in his twenties asked if he could join our game and we welcomed him in. He proceeded to be obnoxious, insult everyone, question the score constantly, and "talk trash". There were two problems with his approach. He was the shortest guy on the court and he didn't have the skills to back up his attitude. After he had received a few elbows and had taken a few falls, he decided he'd had enough and left the game humiliated.
We have authority over the enemy because of our relationship with Jesus Christ. Our intimacy with God gives us power to bring down strongholds and defeat demonic forces. But before we engage the enemy, we need to realize the risks, be ready for a fight, and understand that spiritual warfare and prayer are rarely "one-shot" deals. And we need to learn how to hear God's instructions. If we don't, we'll often find ourselves limping away from battles, disillusioned and wounded.
Comments