As followers of Jesus Christ, we don’t have to look for spiritual battles, they will come to us.
We are involved in a spiritual warfare described in Ephesians 6:12 where Paul tells us that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
Our primary struggle is not against humanity, but against spiritual powers. Later in this chapter, Paul reminds us that we can have protection against Satan’s attacks by putting on the full armor of God. This armor is primarily used for defensive purposes as we fight our enemy and are given to us when we trust in Jesus. We receive truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation and the spirit; those things listed by the apostle.
How do we take a stand and move forth offensively? By our own strength or power? No way; on our own we are no match for the devil. The source of our strength is the Lord.
Whatever our struggle, if God is on our side, those that are for us are greater than those who are against us. Our instruction is to take our struggles to God in prayer.
Right after describing our spiritual warfare and defensive armor, Paul tells us the secret to being victorious. He says we need to pray; in verses 18-20 he says five times to pray. No man or woman is greater than their prayer life. If we want God to do extraordinary things in our lives, in our families, or in our community, it will require extraordinary prayer.
Satan would rather have us do anything else but pray because he knows what prayer can do. We can see ourselves and others experience answers to prayer concerning sickness, depression, our marriages and families, our job situation, our finances and any other area where Satan attacks.
If you begin to battle Satan in prayer, how would your life look different, how would your family look different, and how would this community look different?