Standing on Higher Ground: The Truth About Spiritual Warfare
Have you ever found yourself exhausted from fighting battles that seem to never end? Do you feel like you’re constantly defending yourself against people who hurt you, disappoint you, or just plain annoy you? What if I told you that you might be fighting the wrong enemy altogether?
The Position of Victory
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” (Ephesians 6:10)
These words from Paul to the church in Ephesus serve as a powerful reminder of where we need to position ourselves. Throughout Ephesians, Paul has been building to this point – showing us that we are “seated in the heavenly places” with Christ. From this position, nothing can stand against us.
When I know who I am and stay true to who God has called me to be, I have already won the battle. But here’s the key – I need to remember where I’m standing.
“Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the enemy.” (Ephesians 6:11)
Notice Paul doesn’t say “put on the armor so you can fight.” He says put it on so you can STAND. When we put on God’s armor, we become equipped to see the schemes of the enemy. We’re not surprised by attacks because we have the higher ground!
Knowing Your True Enemy
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12)
This might be one of the most quoted verses in Scripture, yet we spend our days doing exactly what Paul tells us not to do – wrestling against flesh and blood! We attack each other because we’re annoying sometimes. We distance ourselves because someone hurt us. We fight back and forth with each other.
But Paul says, “Church, it shouldn’t be that way.” Your enemy is not the person sitting next to you. Your enemy is not your spouse, your boss, or the McDonald’s drive-through person who got your order wrong. Your real enemy is the darkness itself – the one who wants to kill, steal, and destroy.
Holding Your Position
“Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth…” (Ephesians 6:14)
Once you’re positioned on higher ground, stay there! Like Nehemiah who said (I’m paraphrasing), “I’m too busy to get off the wall for you,” we need to hold our position. We deal with too much minutia, too much drama that doesn’t matter in the scheme of eternity.
The first piece of armor Paul mentions is the belt of truth. Everything else fits into that. When I have the truth, when I know what I’m fighting against, I can then fight effectively. But without truth, I’m swinging blindly.
The Power of Prayer in Battle
“Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” (Ephesians 6:18)
Here’s where it gets interesting. After telling us to put on the full armor and stand, Paul doesn’t say “now go fight!” He says “pray in the Spirit.” When we’re ready for battle, God’s instruction is simple: pray.
“But God, I want to swing the sword!” “Pray in the Spirit.” “But God, there’s a battle going on!” “Don’t worry about it. It’s not your battle anyway. I put the armor on you so you can stand and watch me do what I’m going to do.”
Life Application: Maintaining the Higher Ground
- Identify Your True Enemy: Take a moment in your conflicts to ask, “Who is my real enemy here?” Remember, it’s not the person in front of you.
- Put on Truth First: Before grabbing your sword or shield, fasten on the belt of truth. Ask God, “Show me the truth in this situation.”
- Stand Your Ground: Like Nehemiah, be too busy doing God’s work to come down and engage in pointless drama.
- Pray God’s Will: Instead of telling God how to fix your problems, pray “Not my will, but yours be done.” Prayer isn’t just about changing your situation—it’s about changing your perspective.
When we get to the heights, when we put on the full armor of God, when we begin to pray God’s will, “there’s a peace that surpasses all understanding that comes upon us because I begin to see, God, you’re bigger than all these other things.”
From the higher ground, everything looks different. The problems don’t disappear, but suddenly they’re put in proper perspective. And that’s where true victory begins.