More Than Meets the Eye
Ever feel like you’re fighting an invisible battle? Like no matter how hard you try, there’s always something working against you—whether it’s temptation, division, or discouragement? Well, spoiler alert: you are in a battle, but it’s not just physical.
Ephesians 6:12 (KJV) tells us:
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
Paul wasn’t speaking metaphorically—he was exposing a reality we often ignore. The battles we face are not just political, social, or even personal. They are spiritual. And if we fight them with only earthly weapons, we’re bringing a Nerf gun to a nuclear war.
The Forewarning That Shook Me
At the start of my (publicly declared) faith journey, I spoke at length with a dear friend -my only Christian friend at the time – about this strange, new, and wonderful path I was on. She said all the things you might expect – joy on my behalf, suggestions and recommendations, and so on. But then she said something that shook me. She said,
Just so you know, the devil is really going to come for you now. He’s going to do whatever he can to make you doubt your faith.
I remember thinking, Oh, hey. Hang on now. Aren’t I, like, protected, or something? Well, the answer of course, is a very layered yes… and no.
In my mind, I expected figurative dragons and calamity to strike me at any moment. But I learned quickly how crafty and stealth-like the devil can be. He has tested my faith and trust in Jesus in ways I might have been oblivious to, were it not for amazing guidance and teaching from our pastor & regular Bible study. And it has been in all the ways I mentioned above: politically, socially, and personally.
Breaking Down the Verse
🔹 “We wrestle not against flesh and blood” – Your biggest enemy isn’t your neighbor, your boss, or that person on social media. The real battle is beyond the visible.
🔹 “But against principalities, against powers” – These terms refer to ranks of demonic forces influencing world events, systems, and individuals.
🔹 “Against the rulers of the darkness of this world” – Darkness isn’t just a metaphor; it’s a force working to blind people from God’s truth.
🔹 “Against spiritual wickedness in high places” – This suggests demonic forces at work in both the spiritual realm and powerful earthly institutions.
What Can We Do?
1️⃣ Recognize the Real Enemy – Satan wants you to stay distracted, blaming people instead of recognizing the spiritual forces at work.
2️⃣ Put on the Full Armor of God (Ephesians 6:13-18) – Truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer are your weapons. Use them.
3️⃣ Stay Spiritually Disciplined – Prayer isn’t just a ritual; it’s a battle strategy. Read Scripture daily, stay grounded in truth, and don’t fight spiritual battles with worldly tools.
4️⃣ Walk in Discernment – Be aware of how the enemy operates through culture, deception, and distraction. If it contradicts God’s Word, it’s a spiritual attack, not just a “difference of opinion.”
Final Thoughts
This battle is real. But so is the victory in Christ. Satan and his forces may be strong, but God is greater. The question is: Are you showing up to the battle prepared?
I enjoy your scriptures, you explain it in terms the common person can understand, thank you.