Most of us heard about spiritual warfare before FAITH, but for many of us, when we started planning or implementing FAITH, we faced the intentional onslaught of the enemy!
Face it: We are at war, and the enemy is the one who ravages and seeks to destroy the heart of every person.
FAITH equips individuals and churches to face the reality of spiritual warfare. FAITH positions leaders and members to reinforce their defenses. We are moving into the territory of Satan, and he is ready to devour us. Through the FAITH strategy, we join God in battle against Satan. We are positioning ourselves to be among the warriors in God’s army; we are positioning ourselves – and our families – to be steadfast and immovable targets that resist Satan’s most potent weapons.
The enemy meets us in battle by:
- Creating and spreading lies, bombarding the mind to dilute God’s love and power and His ability to restore.
- Tempting us to question and resist God and His authority.
- Making us think we do not need God.
- Deceiving us to depend on something created rather than on the Creator.
- Bringing wounds and destruction through beauty, temporary pleasure, pride, self-sufficiency, and envy.
- Destroying relationships.
- Stealing and betrayal.
- Making what is pure seem impure.
- Being in control of earthly kingdoms.
- Taking glory from God.
We must learn and submit to the strategies of our Commander, the Heavenly Father – the Lord God Almighty. Our response is to fortify ourselves for the battle. God provides the weapons for defense as well as offense. Read Ephesians 5:10-18 to review the weapons and armor God provides us.
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 tactics of the Devil. For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. This is why you must 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. (Holman CSB)
Consider the implications for each piece of armor:
- TRUTH like a belt
- Breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS
- Feet sandaled with READINESS FOR THE GOSPEL OF PEACE
- Shield of FAITH
- Helmet of SALVATION
- Sword of the Spirit, which is GOD’S WORD
- PRAY at all times in the Spirit
. . . and stay alert in this, with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.
FAITH puts a spotlight on what God is doing in our midst and helps us focus on the warfare that is taking place and clearly see evidences of the attacks from the enemy. If your church is thinking about implementing the FAITH strategy, realize that Satan will target you and your people and try to get you out of the battle. If your church wants to implement FAITH, know that God is using this strategy in a powerful way to reclaim territory held and souls entrapped by the enemy. God empowers you through faith as you are strengthened for the battle.
