A war rages between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness. Because it is a spiritual war, it cannot be viewed with physical eyesight (see 1 Cor 2:12-15). It's critical to know we are in a war and act accordingly. Imagine walking through a war zone unaware that bullets and bombs are buzzing nearby. This would put us at risk of becoming a casualty since we wouldn't defend ourselves and our loved ones.
This spiritual war has many casualties: widespread hunger, divorce, millions of aborted babies, rampant sexual sin, greed, injustice, selfishness, substance abuse, acts of violence, and much more. The natural man views the casualties without thinking of God — unless it's to blame God. The spiritual man sees the spiritual war and responds with spiritual weapons as listed in Ephesians 6:10-20. "Our battle is not against human forces but against the principalities and powers, the rulers of this world of darkness, the evil spirits in regions above" (Eph 6:12).
Once the land of Israel was under attack. The servant of the prophet Elisha lamented that the forces of the invading Aramean army surrounded the city, which did not have enough troops to withstand them (2 Kgs 6:14-15). " ‘Do not be afraid,' Elisha answered, ‘Our side outnumbers theirs.' Then he prayed, ‘O Lord, open his eyes, that he may see.' And the Lord opened the eyes of the servant, so that he saw the mountainside filled with horses and chariots around Elisha" (2 Kgs 6:16-17).
Beg the Lord for the grace to see the war, fight properly, and trust that the battle belongs to Him (1 Sm 17:47).
| PRAYER: | Father, may I "walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Cor 5:7). Give me eyes to fight "the good fight" of faith (2 Tm 4:7). |
| PROMISE: | "Everything is ordered to your benefit." –2 Cor 4:15 |
| PRAISE: | You, risen Jesus, Captain and Conqueror! |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College