“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks[d] to the Father, who has qualified you[e] to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.” Colossians 1: 9-12 ESV.
I have been reflecting lately on opposition and spiritual warfare. When we think about war, we think about something physical and seen; it’s violent, aggressive, and so visually evident. But war never starts with the first physical attack. The physical, violent attack is the end result of a conflict that has been going on behind closed doors for a long time. War stems from unresolved conflict and is often motivated by fear, retaliation, vengeance and hatred.
Spiritual warfare is taking place every day. There is an unseen realm where our spiritual enemy opposes anything we do for God in obedience to God or His Word from a place of fear and hatred. This opposition is often not recognized because it happens under the surface of our lives, but it is certainly felt. It happens in our minds, our attitudes, thoughts and motivations. Why do you think it’s so hard to do the “right” thing?
This opposition shows up in any way to keep us from obedience, submission, rest, peace, truth, and life. It shows up in our attitudes, our disciplines, and our very will to follow through on the things that we know God has asked us to do. Yes, thankfully, God is rich in mercy and gracious towards us, but more often than not, we fail to be completely obedient to what God is asking us to do. Maybe we are obedient for a while, but as soon as it gets hard, we allow the opposition to push us back into comfort because we don’t recognize these battles as spiritual warfare.
Spiritual warfare begins in our lives as seeds of fleshly thoughts of disunity, self-interest, apathy and searching outside of Christ for the things that only Christ can fully give. It shows up in ways that appear harmless, even “good,” but its root is always the desire to rule our own lives rather than submit to the Lordship of Christ. Pay attention to the subtle ways these seeds begin to bear fruit so you can stay on the side of unmerited grace, not earning and striving for what Christ has already given to you.
Lord, would you help us to walk in the truth, your word is truth. “that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.” Colossians 2:2-5
Saints, you are so loved! Root your identity in belonging to God, in whom all good things dwell!
Liz Bell
Pastor Lori, as I read this, I thought of all the times I have been drawn and tempted into doing something which appears to be a good thing, but down the road it ends up in a disaster. I’m upset with myself. Then the times that I have not done what is stirring inside and I question if it is from God and I shake it off. Then Holy Spirit has revealed I was called to do what I didn’t do. Again, I’m upset. I find the reward is when I do the difficult thing that God calls me to do. His will. As hard as it is, I know it’s from Him, it’s deep and I know it will be difficult. I hear the enemy’s whispers of inadequacy, unworthiness, not qualified and my words don’t matter. But when all is said and done, when it’s from God, even in perhaps a fumbling moment, I feel His peace. It stirs my desire to do the next difficult thing…His will…all for His glory. Thank you.