Spiritual Warfare: The Battle You Didn’t Know You Were Fighting

Lori Nicole
Nov 22, 2024
6 min read

Updated: Nov 23, 2024

Have you ever felt like life just keeps throwing punches at you? Like you’re stuck in a constant struggle, whether it’s personal, emotional, or even spiritual? The truth is, there’s a war happening that many of us don’t even realize we’re in. But once you understand it, you’ll see how to fight and win. I’m talking about spiritual warfare—a battle that’s been going on since the beginning of time, and guess what? You’re a part of it.

If you’re wondering how in the world you got caught up in a war you didn’t sign up for, let me break it down for you. This spiritual battle started way back when, before we even got here, between God and Satan. It’s a war for control of the hearts, minds, and souls of humanity. Let’s take a trip back to the very beginning to understand where this all started, and how you got thrown into the middle of it. Trust me, once you get this, you’ll be ready to fight back with the full authority of Heaven on your side.

The War Began in Heaven

To understand why you’re dealing with spiritual warfare today, we’ve got to go back to where it all started. It all began in heaven, long before you and I were born. In Isaiah 14:12-15, we read about Lucifer, a powerful angel who was once beautiful and full of wisdom. He got too caught up in his own glory and thought he could overthrow God. His pride led to his rebellion, and he was cast out of heaven, along with a third of the angels who followed him. This was the start of the ultimate spiritual war: God vs. Satan.

Satan, now known as the enemy of our souls, was defeated and cast down to earth. But the war didn’t end there. Satan didn’t just stop at fighting God. He wanted to take down everything God created, and that includes you and me. He wants to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), and he uses anything and everything to keep us from living the abundant life God created us for.

So, when you feel like you’re constantly battling against negative thoughts, emotions, or circumstances, just know that it’s not all in your head. There’s a real war going on—and you’re caught right in the middle of it.

What Is Spiritual Warfare?

Now that we’ve set the stage, let’s talk about what spiritual warfare actually is. Spiritual warfare is the conflict between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness. The Kingdom of God is all about God’s rule, His light, truth, and righteousness. The kingdom of darkness is Satan’s realm, full of lies, deception, sin, and everything that pulls you away from God.

Ephesians 6:12 tells us, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” This scripture makes it clear: the real battle isn’t with people, or your circumstances, or your boss at work. It’s a battle happening in the spiritual realm, and it affects everything in the natural world.

When you're in spiritual warfare, you’re not just fighting against what’s happening in the natural—you’re fighting against unseen spiritual forces that are working to pull you away from God, destroy your peace, and steal your joy. It’s about the battle for your heart, your mind, and your destiny.

The Role of Both Kingdoms in the War

How to Identify If You’re in Spiritual Warfare

Okay, so now you’re probably wondering, "How do I even know if I'm in spiritual warfare?" It’s not always easy to recognize, but there are definitely signs. If you’re experiencing any of the following, chances are, you’re in the middle of a spiritual battle:

Constant Feelings of Fear and Anxiety: When fear and anxiety start to overwhelm you, it’s a red flag. God didn’t give you a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). If you feel like you're always on edge or dreading the future, this could be a sign that the enemy is trying to steal your peace.
Struggles with Negative Thoughts: If you’re battling negative thoughts that don’t seem to let up—thoughts of doubt, self-hate, or even discouragement—it’s a sign that the enemy is working to keep your mind occupied and distracted from God's truth. Romans 12:2 tells us to renew our minds, and when the enemy attacks your thoughts, it’s crucial to replace those lies with the truth of God’s Word.

Sudden Conflict or Division in Relationships: Spiritual warfare often shows up in relationships. If you’re experiencing a lot of tension, arguments, or division in your relationships, especially with family or close friends, it could be a sign that the enemy is trying to cause disunity and keep you from walking in love and peace.
A Lack of Peace: When you feel unrest, confusion, or a lack of peace in your spirit, that’s another indication of spiritual warfare. The enemy wants to keep you distracted and disoriented so you’re not walking in the peace that God gives.
Temptation and Struggling with Sin: When you feel like you’re constantly fighting the same temptations or sin, this can be part of the enemy’s strategy to keep you stuck in cycles of defeat. Remember, Jesus already conquered sin, so you don’t have to live under its control.

What to Do if You’re Experiencing Spiritual Warfare

If you’re in the middle of spiritual warfare, the good news is that you’re not powerless. Here’s what you need to do:

Pray and Speak God’s Word: Prayer is your most powerful weapon. When you pray, you’re talking directly to God, asking for His strength and intervention in the battle. But don’t just pray—speak the Word of God over your life. Scripture is a sword that cuts through the lies of the enemy. Declare scriptures like Ephesians 6:10-18, where Paul talks about putting on the full armor of God, and Isaiah 54:17, which says, “No weapon formed against you will prosper.” To learn how to pray effective, check out the post "How to Pray: Bringing Heaven On Earth"
Put on the Armor of God: In Ephesians 6:11-17, Paul tells us to put on the full armor of God to protect ourselves in the spiritual battle. This includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit (which is the Word of God). Daily, you need to suit up in this armor, covering yourself with the protection that God provides.
Stand Firm in Faith: The enemy wants you to doubt God, His promises, and His goodness. But when you stand firm in your faith and trust in God’s Word, you become an unshakable force. Don’t give in to fear or doubt. Remember, God is with you, and His power is greater than anything the enemy can throw your way.
Call on the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is your helper and guide in times of spiritual warfare. In John 14:26, Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will teach you and remind you of all things. When you’re in the middle of a spiritual battle, lean on Him for strength and guidance.

Living It Out

Here’s the thing: spiritual warfare is real, but it’s not a battle you have to fight alone. God has given you everything you need to overcome. When you put on the armor of God, speak His Word, and rely on His strength, you become a powerful force in the spiritual realm. Don’t be fooled by the enemy’s tricks and distractions. The battle may be intense, but victory is already yours through Jesus Christ.

Living this out means recognizing that you’re a soldier in God’s Kingdom, and it’s time to step up and fight with the authority and power you’ve been given. Don’t shrink back. Stand firm, pray hard, and trust that God is with you every step of the way. Keep your eyes on the prize, and remember, the battle is already won. You just have to walk in the victory that’s been given to you.