Facing Battles You Can’t See?

Driving through my neighborhood, I’m always a little surprised at how early the fascination with the creepy and macabre begins. Reapers, witches, graveyards, and ten-foot skeletons pop up in yards long before the leaves even start to change.

I understand that many people enjoy decorating for the season ~ including myself. But what concerns me are how many increasingly dark and demonic decorations are being used.

It makes me wonder – do people realize how close they are to brushing up against the very real presence of evil in this world?

Last week, we talked about what it means to be spiritually awake. At its core, that means recognizing that there’s an ongoing spiritual battle happening all around us. It’s not the Hollywood version of good versus evil, but the very real one described in God’s Word.

“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.” – Ephesians 6:12 NIV

Spiritual warfare can show up in all kinds of ways – in our thoughts and emotions, in conflicts with others, or in cultural values that oppose God’s truth.

But maybe one of the enemy’s most clever tricks is convincing people that he doesn’t exist, that the spiritual realm isn’t real, and that what we see is all there is. This time of year, that lie can slip in easily when darkness starts to look entertaining or harmless.

Realizing that there’s a spiritual world at work and that the devil is prowling around looking for someone to devour should wake us up and remind us to stay alert and ready for the fight.

“And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” – 2 Corinthians 11:14 NIV

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” – 1 Peter 5:8 NIV

Whether we notice it or not, we face spiritual battles every day. But here’s the good news: we’re not helpless. God has given us His armor – truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and His Word – so we can stand firm and strong (Ephesians 6:10-17).

Evil won’t win. Our God is working for good, and His plan for redemption can’t be stopped. His Spirit and His Word live in us, and that’s the best news of all:

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them,

because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”

1 John 4:4 NIV