Spiritual warfare is not a metaphor, a distant concept, or a myth confined to the pages of ancient Scripture. It is a present, palpable reality that every believer must face.
The battle is real, and the stakes are high. The enemy prowls like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour, and too many Christians unprepared for the onslaught.
The time for complacency is over. We must recognize the battle lines that have been drawn and understand that we are called to engage with fierce determination, unwavering faith, and strategic preparation.
Why We Need to Prepare for the Battle
The need for preparation in spiritual warfare cannot be overstated. We are not wrestling against flesh and blood but against principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, and spiritual wickedness in high places (see Eph. 6). These are not enemies you can see, touch, or outsmart with human intellect. They are ancient, cunning, and relentless, with one goal in mind: to steal, kill, and destroy
But let me be clear: walking into spiritual warfare without preparation is like stepping onto a battlefield without armor, without weapons, and without a plan. The casualties of such neglect are real—lost peace, broken relationships, derailed destinies, and wounded souls.
We cannot afford to be caught off guard. We must be vigilant, sober, and armed for the fight.
How to Prepare for the Battle
So how do we prepare for the battle?
(Get equipped in my School of Spiritual Warfare at www.schoolofthespirit.tv.)
1. It begins with understanding our identity in Christ and the authority we carry in His name.
You must know that you are seated in heavenly places, far above every principality and power. Your authority comes from the finished work of the cross, where Jesus disarmed the powers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them. Stand in that authority. Know who you are in Christ because identity is the first line of defense.
2. Next, arm yourself with the Word of God. The Bible is not just a book of promises; it is a sword—a double-edged sword that cuts through the lies of the enemy and exposes his schemes.
When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He didn’t argue or negotiate; He declared, “It is written.” And the enemy fled. You must do the same. Memorize Scripture, meditate on it day and night, and wield it like the weapon it is.
3. Prayer is your lifeline in spiritual warfare. It’s not just a religious duty; it’s your communication line with the Commander of Heaven’s Armies. Pray in the Spirit at all times, with all kinds of prayers and requests. This is where strategies are downloaded, strength is renewed, and battles are won. Engage in prayer that is fervent, persistent, and bold. Pray without ceasing, and don’t stop until you see breakthrough.
4. Put on the full armor of God. This is not optional—it’s essential. Every piece of the armor has a purpose: the belt of truth to hold you together, the breastplate of righteousness to protect your heart, the shoes of peace to keep you grounded, the shield of faith to extinguish the fiery darts of the enemy, the helmet of salvation to guard your mind, and the sword of the Spirit to strike down your foe. Don’t leave any piece behind; you need it all.
5. Finally, stand firm in faith. The battle may be fierce, the attacks may be relentless, but you are not alone. The Lord is with you, a mighty warrior who saves. He goes before you, He is your rear guard, and He fights for you.
But you must stand firm, resist the enemy, and watch him flee. Don’t give up ground. Don’t retreat. You have been given the victory through Christ Jesus, and now it’s time to enforce that victory on the battlefield of your life.
The battle is real, but so is the victory. The enemy may come in like a flood, but the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him. You are called to be more than a conqueror, but that requires preparation.
Don’t wait until the heat of the battle to realize you’re unprepared. Start now. Arm yourself, prepare your heart, and step onto the battlefield with confidence, knowing that the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. The victory is yours, but you must be ready to fight for it.
Pray with me:
