Exposing Spiritual Warfare

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

So, there’s really no cute way to curtsey my way into this topic today, so I’m just going to just start spewing my heart. Which, as I sit here is both terrifying and an adventure because I honestly have no idea where this post is going to end up. But between you and me, that’s typically how my best posts begin.

Lately, this past week, I feel as though I have been under attack.

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And yes, I am talking about spiritual warfare.

Now, let me pause, because whenever I bring up that term — or even worse: “Satan” — I instantly feel as though I’m just asking to be the subject of an SNL parody skit. Visions from Mean Girls come to mind, where Cady Heron is describing the homeschool kids:

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But I just feel like no one wants to talk about spiritual warfare for fear of being seen as one of those “crazy Christians” that’s all in a tizzy about a concept that society will have you believe doesn’t exist.

Well, friends, screw it, I’m going there. 

To be honest, ever since I hit 40,000 subscribers, I have felt spiritually attacked.

My mind has been hit with a thousand flaming arrows, trying to fill my head with lies and self doubt, and I’m going to be honest, they’ve been hard to resist.

Thoughts that my blog ministry is stupid, and that it doesn’t matter. Thoughts that berate me for being single and alone, without hope of ever finding a husband. Thoughts that cut at my social skills, looks, season in life – you name it. They’re coming in from all sides. Each one more damaging than the next.

And this is coming at a time when you’d think the exact opposite would be true. Things have been going great since 40K. I was interviewed on a podcast that I have dreamed about being on – and I can’t wait to share that with you in early 2019 when it comes out. My weekends have been filled to the absolute brim with social engagements with friends who truly care about me, and that I love. And heck, in last week’s post, I received a letter from a reader who told me that my book, Bloom, literally was a catalyst in her recovery from an eating disorder.

So why, the heck, am I listening to these lies that are filling my head that are straight from the pit of hell?

Why? Because I am human, living in a fallen world, and try as some people may to convince you otherwise, Satan is real.

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I don’t think that I am alone in my experience this past week. I think that all of us, at one time or another, have felt bogged down by self doubt or discouragement, or inadequacy, or loneliness. I think those are universal obstacles. I just think that most people are afraid to talk about it.

But I also think that those are the exact cracks in our foundation that the devil likes to worm into, in order to gain a foothold in our lives.

A surprising paradox in all of this, is that you’d think that when you’re “down and out,” you’d be the most vulnerable to spiritual attacks. But I think the opposite is true. I think that when we have a momentum going; when we’re on fire for the Lord and eagerly chasing after His plan for our lives, that is when Satan is going to do everything in his power to throw as many road blocks in your way as possible. That he’ll bring along seven friends to trip you up and shove you off course. I don’t think that is a coincidence.

Which is why we must heed the advice of Ephesians 6: 10-18…and put on the armor of God, most especially when we feel we don’t need to.

I was reading over that passage this afternoon, and I realized, for the first time, a very important thing.

Everything in that armor: — the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, feet in the gospel, shield of faith, helmet of salvation — those are all defensive articles. They are all passive, shields, used to defend oneself against an attack.

Except for one: The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

The sword of the Spirit.

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That is the only thing that was an offensive tool. An attack. A proactive tool.

And that’s when I realized: we do not have to do the fighting. The Spirit will do it for us. 

And what a freakin’ relief that was. I don’t have to rely on my own strength to resist the spiritual attacks from the evil one. The Spirit will do that for me. I just need to ask. I need to just take up that Sword, and the Spirit will fight for me.

Yes, I need to take all the defensive actions possible – with faith, with the gospel, with truth — but the fighting is left up to the Spirit.

That kind of puts it in a new perspective, doesn’t it?

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I know that I can’t just snap my fingers and *poof* magically be out of this cloud of darkness that has collected in my mind. But what I can do, is seek out the truth. Seek out Him. Seek out His presence. Which is exactly what I’m going to do. Right now. I’m going to crack open my Bible, and read His love letter to me: The Gospel.

Because the truth of the matter in all of this, is that Jesus has already won. He has overcome the world. And the evil one doesn’t even stand a chance against the King. And that, is a truth I can believe.

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BBB: Because we're all recovering from something. // For speaking/business inquiries: beautybeyondbones@yahoo.com

446 thoughts on “Exposing Spiritual Warfare”

  1. Your explanation of the metaphor of the Armor of God… that was pretty eye opening! We as Christians get so caught up in trying to fight sin, fight our own nature, fight against the ways of the world etc… but we forget that this battle is not ours. When we relinquish control and lean on God… amazing things happen. I really appreciate this!

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  2. Don’t give up, you got this! The content creators head can be a scary place sometimes . I just put out my first EP and I’ve had to put into check some crazy thoughts!

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  3. I have often said that the closer we get to GOD (Love), the taller the barriers and the more difficult the journey. Often times we question our place on the journey, the progress and the sincerity. There is a natural conflict between our human instincts and our spiritual growth. Have we done enough to deserve the gifts of the spirit? Are we really being honest with ourselves. At the peak of the journey Jesus asked similar questions of the place along his journey. “Take this cup from me….” was the start of the human conversation. “Not my will but yours be done..” was the spiritual conclusion. Do I deserve to make comment? Or is it my purpose to be of help. I try to always remember a favorite child’s hymn. “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. Hide it under a bushel, NO. I’m going to let it shine.” A friend once said “You may be the only Jesus that some one will ever see….. ” That is the spiritual conclusion…We know from the story the difficulties that can bring. Do not be surprised by them. Keep letting your light shine. LOVE is a most powerful of places to hang out in. Happy Thanksgiving.

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    1. Hi Dennis, thank you so much for this powerful reflection. Wow – what a thought. thanks for this encouragement. happy thanksgiving 🙂 hugs xo

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  4. Thanks for your good words once again. You may feel that you struggle to get your thoughts down, but those words are an inspiration to many. Stay true to God and yourself and let the braying of naysayers fall into the background. “Point thine ear toward wisdom, thou shalt incline thy heart toward discernment…and find the knowledge of God.” But listen to those donkeys braying instead, and your heart may falter.

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  5. Just keep up the prayers. We all go through being attacked spiritually. Trust in god he will be your shield. Thanks for liking my blog on Daredevil.
    John

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  6. Excellent article. And David said he has hid God’s Word in his heart as a guard that he would not sin. God’s Word in our hearts – the Spirit to remind us of it. Great offensive weapon.

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  7. Thank you for visiting my blog! I needed to read this about the armor of god. Reading scripture always give me strength and I needed a powerful word because I’m in so much pain. Your blog is beautiful 🌿🌸

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      5. Hi my name is Ravi Rose
        I am from India, how are you.
        I am working on this blog of mine to
        support people and proclaim word of Holy Bible.
        Please do share references for authors for my blog.
        Also if any suggestions to make blog more approachable.
        and last hope you want mind telling your name as it is good to address by name

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  10. 40,000 followers means if someone wants to comment they have to really want to! I scrolled down so far! But for your blog it is worth it. Spiritual warfare, ya no one ever talks about it. But Satan is out there to crush the most outspoken Jesus followers. I will be praying for you. I only have 39 followers, so it is easy for me to think is it worth it. The money I spend, the time, energy? Is anybody really listening. But then I remind myself, it matters to those 39 followers! God knows who needs to see what He gives me every day. Now I have someone who is struggling with their site wanting me to write and help them. I am willing to be guest blogger and he on mine. But, everything with my site is self taught, do I really have the time and energy to help him with his? That part I am hesitant about, is it something God wants me to do? I have problems explaining how to do things to people when I do not remember how I did it in the first place! lol

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    1. haha oh my gosh you’re so kind, thank you Katie. You’re right about that, the enemy will do anything he can to keep us from sharing Jesus’ love! I’d say to go for it! It doesn’t have to be perfect. And write for an audience of One. That’s what I’ve always done. When I started this blog, it was always just me and Jesus. I never paid attention to the followers. I wanted to just have a place for me and Jesus to connect, and if others wanted to join along, that was just icing on the cake 🙂 That’s been an important perspective for me to keep. hugs xo

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  11. Hi BBB, good to recognise Spiritual Warfare as a key part of all our lives as Pilgrims. To acknowledge that some harm comes direct from Dark forces and Satan. You will know too, that there are plenty of Christians who abrogate their own responsibility and say its all from Satan.

    Plenty of scripture talks about the temptations of the flesh, our own inner unredeemed desires. And the temptations of “the World” (our socialisation and conditioning). that is why the old prayer Book talked about “The Flesh, The World and The Devil.”. I too have found times when all sorts of things seem strangely to go wrong. Weird things. Then I “smell” the sulphur. but most of the time, The Flesh and The World generate temptation and distraction enough.

    Good topic to raise.

    Blesséd Advent and Christmastide

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  12. You’re not in the battle alone my sister! So I’m I and ALL of us! The devil know his time is getting shorter and will do all he can to stop the will of Christ from being done in our life’s! But he will never win and has already lost in the mighty name of Jesus! I’ll keep you in my prayers as you do the same for me!
    Blessings, strength and peace of mind to you in Jesus name! Amén! 🙂

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    1. Thank you Tammy. There is power in numbers and power in prayer! I will definitely keep you in mine as well. Big hugs friend xox

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    1. thank you so much John, I’m glad it resonated with you. I’m sorry youre walking through a tough season. I will definitely be keeping you in my prayers. hang in there dear friend. hugs xo

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  14. Life in general can be a battle and its true that the more we share our stories about God working in through us in our recovery the more those spiritual attacks seem to come. It’s as if the darkness seeks to extinguish the least little bit of light. Your post makes me recall the first few verses of Genesis…before God said “let there be light”, there was darkness. Praying for you as you walk through this. Remember Psalm 23…you aren’t walking alone. Blessings.

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  15. Great post. It’s true; sometimes spiritual warfare comes when things SHOULD be going well and Satan attacks our brains to derail us.
    I recently went through a few days of intense spiritual attack when I was ready to quit a ministry I had been asked to lead at my church–which led to thoughts of quitting my church (something I have never considered before). All while writing a series about spiritual warfare on my own blog.
    It can come seemingly out of nowhere and, without the armor of God, we can lose sight of God’s presence and protection in our lives.

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    1. Thank you so much Michael. I’m so sorry this hit so close to home. I will definitely be keeping you in my prayers! so true. big hugs xo

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  17. You are an amazing testimony of what the Lord can do in someone’s life! You’ve become a very accomplished writer. Thank you for letting Him use your open vulnerability to point others to Him. When I find I’m down or under attack, I find it very helpful to sing praises to the Lord, especially Scriptural songs speaking truth of who Jesus is. It may take work or seem intentional at first, but it soon has an effect on both us, and the spiritual world we can’t see.

    One song based off one of David’s Psalms says, “Oh, God, You are my God, and I will ever praise You. I will seek You in the morning, and I will learn to walk in Your ways. And step by step You lead me, and I will follow You all of my days.” See yourself as the Christian “Jedi” you’ve become. You’re a warrior in a truly cosmic battle who’s pointing people to the One who brings both spiritual and physical salvation!
    Thanks for stopping by my blog (I just started this fall). You may appreciate the one titled, “On Aliens and Angels”. It touches on some of what you discussed above.

    Congratulations on your two books! Amazing! The Lord will continue to bless you!

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  19. You just gave me an idea for a youth group meeting topic. See God always brings light out of the darkness we experience, and sometimes we even find out what he did through us. Peace of Jesus.

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  21. The “paradox” you highlighted is great. And funny how when we’re at our lowest, strength and mettle are greatest. At least, that’s how that struggle’s been with me. Agreed on the lies and self-doubt … for me, that shows up most viciously in blame. It’s as if my sense of personal responsibility implodes into my ugly place where I am the sole determinant+cause for whatever issue/crisis I’m dealing with.

    I’m pleased that your blog’s grown! Followed you a while before delving again into some not-so-shiny spirituality. Those lies and self-doubt are awful, for sure, and you already considered why they are so hurtful for you. Not commenting on those, because they’re particular (at least, the effects?) to you. ❤ Psalm 139:7-12 speaks to me stronger during such times. Offering it to you too.

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    1. Thank you Karina! I really appreciate you passing along that psalm 🙂 thanks for the encouragement. Hugs and love xox

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  22. Wow this was a powerful blog post! I truly needed to see this right now… additionally I love the way you construct your posts.

    I’d love to learn more on “blogging” from you.

    You’re an amazingly powerful & blessed young Queen of God. 🙏🏽♥️👑

    Stay focused on Him, seek His kingdom diligently & all the desires of your heart will be added unto you.

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  23. Praise confuses the enemy!! I’m glad you spoke up & out about this. A lot of us can relate! I’ll be praying for you!! Keep up the amazing writing!! ☺️🙏🏾

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    1. It really does!! Thank you so much A, for your prayers and encouraging words. It really means a lot! Hugs and love xox

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  24. Hi! I really admire your blog posts! I like how you use it in spreading the love and power of God. I am a started my new blog and I am using it for His kingdom as well. May God continue to bless you and He wants to remind you that He is providing all your needs. 🙂

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  25. Loved this post. Thank you for sharing it.

    You are so blessed to have a large supportive community who engages with you on a meaningful level.

    Spiritual warfare is such an important part of our Christian walk. Thanks for the reminder that our Enemy Satan roams around seeking whom he may devour, whether circumstances of life have placed you on top of the world, or dragged you down to the pits of despair.

    Have a blessed day!

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    1. Thank you so much! 🙂 YOu’re wonderfully kind to say that. You’re right – we must be aware and ready to defend our temple against it! Hugs and love xox

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