Overcoming Spiritual Battles: How to Stand Firm in Faith
Spiritual warfare is real. As believers, we are engaged in a battle that often isn’t visible to the naked eye, but its impact is undeniably felt. The enemy of our souls—Satan—seeks to distract, discourage, and destroy. He doesn’t want us to live out the calling God has placed on our lives. Yet, in the midst of this battle, we can stand firm in faith, knowing that God has already given us everything we need to overcome.
For the past several weeks, I’ve been facing this reality in my own life, and I know that the enemy is trying to distract me from the very things God has placed on my heart. From losing motivation to write my blogs, to feeling distant from God, to questioning the opening of my Faith shop—these attacks have been relentless.
The enemy has tried to dim my light, make me lose my desire for spending time in prayer, reading God’s Word, and sharing His goodness with you all. He’s even tried to cause frustration and tension in my marriage, while my mental health has taken a dive again. But here’s what I’ve learned: when the enemy is attacking, it’s a clear sign that God is doing something great in my life, and I need to push through with Him, trusting that He will provide the strength to stand firm.
What is Spiritual Warfare?
Spiritual warfare isn’t just about dealing with external circumstances; it’s the internal struggle of our minds and hearts. The enemy’s tactics often involve lies, temptation, doubt, fear, and shame. He knows our weaknesses and seeks to exploit them. Whether it’s through doubts about God’s promises, struggles in relationships, or overwhelming feelings of fear and anxiety, the enemy works relentlessly to pull us away from God’s truth.
Our Battle is Not Against Flesh and Blood
In Ephesians 6:12, Paul writes, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
Our battle isn’t about people or circumstances, it’s about fighting against the forces of darkness. When we can recognize that our struggles are spiritual in nature, we can stop fighting people and start focusing on the true enemy. This shift in perspective allows us to fight the right battle with the right weapons.
The Armor of God
Ephesians 6:10-11 tells us, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” This reminder has been so encouraging to me during these challenging weeks. The battle is real, but I don’t have to fight it on my own. I have the armor of God to protect me.
The Armor of God is a powerful reminder of how we can stand firm in the middle of spiritual warfare:
Belt of Truth: When doubt and lies arise, God’s truth is our foundation.
Breastplate of Righteousness: We are made righteous through Christ, which protects our hearts from condemnation.
Shoes of the Gospel of Peace: We can stand firm, knowing that God’s peace guides us through every storm.
Shield of Faith: Faith is our defense against the enemy’s attacks, keeping us grounded in God’s promises.
Helmet of Salvation: We are secure in our salvation, and the enemy cannot take that away.
Sword of the Spirit: The Word of God is our weapon in battle. When we declare His promises over our lives, we fight the enemy’s lies.
How I’ve Been Battling and How I’m Overcoming
Lately, it has felt like the weight of spiritual warfare has been bearing down on me. I’ve questioned my calling, doubted my ability, and let frustration cloud my vision. But in those moments, God has been whispering, "Keep going. Keep trusting. Keep pressing into Me." And that’s exactly what I’ve been trying to do.
I’ve found that when I feel distant from God, that’s when I need Him most. When I feel too overwhelmed to pray, that’s when I need to pray even more. When I feel discouraged, that’s when I need to open my Bible and lean into His truth.
In the past few weeks, I’ve taken intentional steps to push through the doubts and fears. I’ve started focusing on what God has called me to, instead of what the enemy wants to distract me with. And every time I turn to Him, I feel His peace and strength fill me up again. The battle is real, but God is bigger than any attack the enemy throws my way.
How to Stand Firm in Spiritual Warfare
Know Your Identity in Christ
The first step in fighting spiritual battles is to understand who you are in Christ. The enemy will often try to make us doubt our identity and our value. When we know that we are beloved children of God, redeemed and protected, we can stand firm in that truth.Use God’s Word
Jesus showed us the power of Scripture when He was tempted by Satan. He didn’t argue or make excuses—He quoted Scripture. The Word of God is alive and powerful, and it cuts through the lies of the enemy. When we face spiritual battles, we can stand on the truth of God’s Word.Pray Without Ceasing
Prayer is our direct line to God, and it strengthens us during spiritual battles. It’s in prayer that we find refuge, strength, and peace. When we feel overwhelmed, prayer gives us the power to keep going. We can lean on God and trust that He will fight for us.Resist the Enemy
James 4:7 says, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Resistance isn’t passive; it’s active. We resist by standing firm in God’s truth and not giving in to the temptations and lies of the enemy. When we stand firm, the enemy has no power over us.Stay in Community
Spiritual warfare is not something we should face alone. Surround yourself with other believers who can support you, pray with you, and remind you of the truth. Together, we can fight the enemy’s attacks and encourage each other in the faith.
Victory is Ours in Christ
The enemy wants us to feel defeated, isolated, and hopeless, but the victory is already ours through Christ. “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” – 1 John 5:4
We don’t have to fear spiritual warfare because we are already victorious in Christ. We stand firm in His power, His truth, and His promises. When we put on the full armor of God, we can resist the enemy and walk in the freedom and victory that Jesus has secured for us.
Why We Must Fight Back
It’s not always easy to stand firm. The enemy comes against us in different ways, sometimes through feelings of discouragement, doubt, or fear. He tries to make us believe we’re not enough or that God isn’t working in our lives. But we have to remind ourselves that we are more than conquerors in Christ. Romans 8:37 says, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
God has already given us the victory. When we feel defeated, we can lean into His strength. We can trust that He’s already gone before us in this battle. We don’t have to carry the weight alone.
Leaning Into God’s Strength
This past season has been hard for me, but I’ve learned that even in the toughest battles, God is with me. When I feel like giving up, I have to turn to Him, trust His strength, and keep pushing forward. The enemy may try to distract us, discourage us, and make us doubt, but God’s plan is bigger than anything the enemy can throw our way.
Moving Forward with God’s Strength
I’m choosing to lean on God’s strength, no longer allowing the enemy to have a hold on my thoughts, my goals, or my dreams. I’m choosing to continue pursuing what God has placed on my heart, even when it feels difficult. I believe that what He’s called me to is worth the fight.
I know I’m not alone in this, and if you’re facing your own battles, I want to encourage you to keep going. Don’t let the enemy make you feel discouraged or unworthy. You are chosen, you are loved, and you have everything you need to overcome.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your strength and for the armor You provide us in the middle of spiritual warfare. Lord, when the enemy comes against us with doubts, lies, and distractions, help us to stand firm in Your truth. When we feel weary or discouraged, remind us of the victory we have in You. Give us the courage to keep going, even when the path feels hard. Help us to trust You with our dreams and our calling, knowing that You are faithful and will never leave us.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
