As we move into October, with Halloween at the end of the month, it’s a good time to be reminded of the reality of spiritual warfare. The topic ties in well with September’s focus on prayer, for the awareness of spiritual warfare helps us understand the critical importance of prayer in transforming the world. As well, prayer is our greatest weapon in the spiritual battles we face. Today’s devotion helps us set the context for the month:

IN WORD Most Christians know that our struggle is not against flesh and blood. Few Christians actually live like they know it. We tend to assign naturalistic explanations to the many personal and social difficulties of the spiritual life: early childhood issues, relationship dynamics, emotional quirks, personal charisma (or lack thereof)—the options available to us are limited only by the number of social and psychological theories out there. And all of those issues can be genuine factors in our struggles.
Meanwhile, the Bible assures us that there is more going on behind the scenes. Many people will raise their eyebrows at the thought of evil spirits at war against the Kingdom of God. Ancient people could accept such superstitions, but we’re full of scientific knowledge and modern perspectives, aren’t we? But the Son of God Himself attests to the reality of an archenemy of God who is bent on defacing God’s creation and the people He has redeemed. Jesus spoke to demons, and they spoke back—and there’s no hint of metaphor in the text. God incarnate would not have interacted with unseen spirits if they didn’t exist. And He wouldn’t have given His disciples authority over the enemy if they didn’t need it.
IN DEED Let the reality of the unseen world sink in. Don’t be paranoid; just be alert. Awareness of those who dwell in dark realms will explain a lot of the challenges to your faith. Whenever you are compelled to doubt God’s goodness or violate His character, you can be pretty sure there’s a malicious presence at work. God wants you to live with an awareness of the war.
Your faith will not go uncontested. The service you offer in God’s Kingdom will not remain unchallenged. The growth you so desperately want and need will not be a walk in the park. It will be a walk through a battlefield. Why? Because our struggle is not against flesh and blood. “The existence of the devil is so clearly taught in the Bible that to doubt it is to doubt the Bible itself.” - Archibald Brown (in “God With Us” by Chris Tiegreen)

It’s easy to be ignorant and dismissive of spiritual warfare in modern society. But living on the frontlines of missions, it is very real as students share their personal experiences. Still, my experiences of spiritual warfare, from exorcism to the destruction of talisman, have all happened in the US. Hence, we should be mindful that spiritual battles can occur anywhere and at any time.
Are you prepared for spiritual warfare? Take time to reflect on Ephesians 6, 1 Peter 5, and 1 John this week. Meditate on the passages and be reminded that you need not fear spiritual attacks, for God has blessed His children with more than we will ever need to overcome the Adversary and has blessed us with the Holy Spirit’s abiding Presence. The real question is whether you are aware and relying on what God has given. Have a blessed week! - from Singapore, Pastor Sam