Spiritual Warfare is Very Real...

In my post Weapons of Protection, I talk about 5 "weapons" we have been provided for our [spiritual] protection during times of attack and spiritual warfare. I myself had to go back and read this post and remind myself of the scriptures in the Word that refer to our protection during warfare.  

Sometimes we get so caught up with what is right in front of us that all we see is the person that is attacking us.  We hear the words, we see the actions, we are victims to malicious gossip, etc.  We can so easily forget what Ephesians says:

Ephesians 6:12 - For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Our fight is not with each other.  Our fight is with the spirit behind the person, the gossip, the maliciousness.  Our fight is against an invisible enemy that produces very tangible results.  So what do we do?

Ephesians 6:13 - Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all, to stand.

We put on the armor of God.  We put on the pieces that Ephesians 6 goes on to discuss:

1. Breastplate of righteousness - protects and guards our hearts (thinking on things that are pure, noble)
2. Shoes of the gospel of peace - walk each day in peace avoiding conflict
3. Shield of Faith - puts out the fiery darts that are thrown our way
4. Helmet of Salvation - Covers our heads through the shed blood of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ
5. Sword of the Spirit - The Word of God

Notice our weapons and protection are all invisible and non-tangible just as our enemy.  We are to physically put on each of these items each day.  If we do not put on the armor of God, then we will be vulnerable to hurt and pain and caught unaware during an attack of the enemy.  We cannot afford to be caught off guard during a battle.  We must be ready and able to use the Sword of the Spirit as well.  Know the Word and what to speak during a fight with principalities and powers.  There is a scripture for any and all situations we find in ourselves in each and every day. 

Today, for me it is two scriptures:

Isaiah 54:17 - "No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgement You shall condemn.  This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me," says the Lord.  

Romans 8:37 - Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.