Victory in the Battle

As followers of Christ we are faced with many challenges, including difficult or destructive people and circumstances. This is not new to believers. In fact, the early church experienced so many difficulties that the Apostle Paul taught them how to overcome by leaning on the Lord’s strength and taking up His spiritual armor. This same remedy is available to us today. 

“Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the word of God. Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.” -Ephesians 6:10-18 CSB

Our enemy is working tirelessly to wreak havoc in your life with the goal to render you ineffective in your calling. Spiritual warfare can show up in subtle and glaringly destructive ways. Creating a Battle Plan will help you gain victory over the schemes of the evil one. Remember, your struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of darkness, against evil spiritual forces in the heavens. 

“Everything that occurs in the visible, physical world is directly connected to the wrestling match in the invisible, spiritual world.”

- The Armor of God, Priscilla Shirer 

One of Satan’s favorite tactics is causing confusion. When confusion sets in, we can easily be tempted with our own solutions apart from God. If we aren’t careful, we may unknowingly fall prey to one of the four dynamics that infect most unhealthy relationships: assumptions, reactivity, stuck patterns, and fleshly attempted solutions. Thankfully, we have spiritual armor that covers us when we need it most! Our connection with God through prayer and His written Word will illuminate our path forward in any given relationship or situation. 

How to Create a Battle Plan using the Armor of God

When dealing with an ongoing destructive person or situation, prayerfully reflect on two or three recent negative experiences.  Ask yourself these reflective questions to gain the awareness needed before you craft your Battle Plan.  

• What assumptions were made in this situation or relationship? 

• What patterns do I see in me and in them? 

• Where was I vulnerable to the enemy’s schemes?

• How did I react or respond? 

• What solutions did I attempt that did not work out? 

• Which pieces of God’s Armor (Eph. 6:14-17) did I need in those moments or afterwards? 

• What is God speaking to me in prayer about this person or situation? 

After prayerful reflection, it is time to create your Battle Plan for future encounters with a destructive person or situation. It can be helpful to have a Battle Partner come alongside you when the fight is severe. You may want to reach out to a friend, counselor, or coach to process these questions as you craft your Battle Plan. 

B - What boundaries do I need to put in place with this person or situation?

A - What pieces of God’s Armor do I need when dealing with this person or situation?

T - What truth do I need to stand on with this person or situation? 

T - Who do I need to talk to about this person or situation for guidance & support?

L - How is God calling me to love and be loved in the midst of this situation? 

E - How will I resist evil associated with this person or situation?

P - When will I pray about this person or situation?

L - How will I lean on the power of the Holy Spirit in my weakness? 

A - What will my approach be when communicating with this person or situation?

N - How will I ensure that I choose to respond and not react when triggered by this person or situation? 

All of this can seem a bit overwhelming, especially if you aren’t used to sticking to a plan. So, let me keep it simple for you. If your Battle Plan only has one thing, let it be PRAYER! Prayer activates your spiritual armor. Priscilla Shirer says in her book, The Armor of God, “Prayer is the mechanism that brings down the power of heaven into your experience. It is the divinely authorized method that activates your spiritual armor and makes it effective. Prayer alerts the enemy to your awareness of his intentions while safeguarding you from his attacks. Unless prayer is a vital and thriving part of your life, you will never achieve spiritual victory.” No matter how impressive your Battle Plan may be, it will only be as effective as your connection to God through prayer. Therefore, we should pray before the battle, pray during the battle and pray after the battle…pray at all times! 

“Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work.”

- Oswald Chambers

Friend, you don’t have to fight your battles alone. Remember, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are interceding on your behalf to the Father (see Hebrew 7:25; Romans 8:27). Invite your brothers and sisters in Christ to pray for you too. If you find yourself in need of a Battle Partner, please reach out to me. I would be honored to come alongside you! 

Katie Sullivan lives in Rhode Island with her husband, Darren and two sons. She loves supporting church planting families throughout New England. Her days are filled with working as a Marketplace Chaplain and certified Christian Life Coach. You can reach her via email at sullivankatie2@gmail.com.