God has more for you and that is why the enemy opposes you spiritually each day. Several years ago, I was a pastor of a church and when I preached the message it seemed like my words were coming back in my face. I was facing spiritual opposition. This went on for several months before my wife and I started praying through the sanctuary each Saturday evening.
After several months of praying in the sanctuary each Saturday, this eventually seemed to go away. From that time on we always prayed through the sanctuary each week. Ephesians 6:12For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. [1] Paul makes it very clear that the real enemies are in the spiritual realm and are not the people of the earth.
Silas and Paul Faced Spiritual Opposition
Paul and Silas were on their way to a place of prayer when they were harassed by a woman fortune teller who had a demon in her. Acts 16:16 One day as we were going down to the place of prayer, we met a slave girl who had a spirit that enabled her to tell the future. She earned a lot of money for her masters by telling fortunes. 17 She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, and they have come to tell you how to be saved.” 18 This went on day after day until Paul got so exasperated that he turned and said to the demon within her, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And instantly it left her. [2]
The enemy had a plan to disrupt Paul and Silas, and he also has a plan to disrupt you. Ephesians 6:10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.[3]
The demon possessed woman not only harassed Paul and Silas as they went to a prayer meeting, but also spoke out truth. Why was speaking the truth so dangerous? Why would she tell people Paul and Silas were servants of the Most High God, and they have come to tell you how to be saved? Part of spiritual opposition is mixing truth with lies. She was speaking truth to prepare people for the lies that would come later. Truth mixed with lies is a common enemy tactic to draw people in and then to deceive them.
You Are in a Spiritual Battle
We are in a real spiritual battle. Remember that God has given you spiritual authority. Therefore, protect yourself with the whole armor of God so you can stand against all the strategies of the devil. Paul also tells us that the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh. 2 Corinthians 10:4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.[4] Be persistent in your prayer and ask the Lord for wisdom, strength, and courage to win the battle.
To hear more about facing spiritual opposition, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/god-has-more-defeating-the-demonic
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
[4] The New King James Version. (1982). (2 Co 10:4). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.