Navigating Spiritual Warfare: A Woman’s Guide to Finding Strength and Victory

Hey there! Today, let’s dive into a topic that’s both profound and practical: spiritual warfare. 

If you’ve ever felt like life’s battles are more than what meets the eye, you’re not alone. 

As Christian women, we understand that sometimes the struggles we face go beyond the physical realm.

What is Spiritual Warfare?

Spiritual warfare isn’t just an abstract idea; it’s a reality and an impactful part of our everyday lives. 

In Ephesians 6:12, the Apostle Paul reminds us, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” 

This verse emphasizes the unseen battles that affect our thoughts, emotions, relationships, and circumstances. 

Types of Spiritual Warfare

1. Thought Battles: One of the most common forms of spiritual warfare is the battle for our minds. Negative thoughts, doubts, and fears can often cloud our judgment and weaken our faith. The enemy knows that if he can control our thoughts, he can influence our actions and beliefs. Renewing our minds daily with God’s truth (Romans 12:2) is essential in combating these attacks. This article is a great resource for understanding the spiritual battles we face on internal, worldly, and spiritual levels.

2. Relational Struggles: Have you ever experienced tension or conflict within your family or among friends that seems unexplainable? These relational challenges can sometimes have spiritual roots. Ephesians 4:26-27 encourages us not to let the sun go down while we are still angry and not to give the devil a foothold. This verse highlights the importance of addressing conflicts promptly and, more importantly, seeking God’s guidance in resolving them. This verse reassures us that we are not alone in these struggles reminding us that a higher power is there to direct our steps.

3. Health and Well-being: While not all health issues are spiritual in nature, persistent physical ailments or emotional struggles may sometimes have a spiritual component. Job’s story in the Bible illustrates how he faced immense physical suffering. Yet, he remained steadfast in his faith (Job 1:21). During such times, seeking prayer and wise counsel from spiritual mentors is crucial. Their guidance can provide clarity and the strength we need to navigate these challenges, making us feel supported and understood.

4. Struggles in Faith: Spiritual warfare often targets our faith and trust in God’s promises. During seasons of doubt or uncertainty, it’s crucial to hold fast to Hebrews 11:1, which defines faith as confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. We can strengthen our faith and resist the enemy’s attempts to sow doubt by praying and seeking God’s presence.

How to Fight in Spiritual Warfare

Life presents various challenges, both physical and spiritual. In this article, I discuss different areas where we encounter adversity and provide actionable steps to help you navigate tough times.

Staying calm amidst life’s challenges can feel burdensome. In the Bible, God offers tools for these times. In Ephesians 6:10-17 the Apostle Paul provides a wonderful visualization of the Armor of God that serves as a guide for daily life and spiritual battles. 

Imagine gearing up for battle—but instead of physical armor, it’s spiritual armor: truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the word of God. Each piece is vital in protecting us from the enemy’s attacks. 

Think of it as putting on your daily spiritual gear, preparing yourself mentally and emotionally to face whatever comes your way. Below, we will go over each piece of armor and what it looks like as we apply it to our lives.

The Armor of God: Your Spiritual Defense

1. Belt of Truth
   The Belt of Truth is about knowing and living by God’s truth, which keeps us grounded in His reality, not the enemy’s distortions. Ephesians 6:14a says, “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist.” Truth serves as the foundation upon which all other pieces of armor rest.

2. Helmet of Salvation
   The Helmet of Salvation is not just a symbol, but a powerful defense for our minds. Ephesians 6:17a states, “Take the helmet of salvation.” This salvation in Christ gives us assurance and guards our minds against doubts and fears planted by the enemy, ensuring that our thoughts are protected and guided by God’s truth.

3. Breastplate of Righteousness
   The Breastplate of Righteousness guards our hearts and emotions, ensuring we live rightly before God and others. Ephesians 6:14b urges us to “put on the breastplate of righteousness.” It signifies our identity in Christ and protects us from the enemy’s accusations.

4. Shield of Faith
   The Shield of Faith is not just a passive armor but an active defense against the enemy’s attacks. It deflects the fiery darts of the enemy—doubts, fears, and temptations—by trusting in God’s promises and His power. Ephesians 6:16 instructs us to “take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” This active faith is a powerful tool in our spiritual warfare.

5. Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
   The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace equip us to spread the message of peace and reconciliation through Christ. Ephesians 6:15 says, “and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” It enables us to stand firm in our faith and confidently proclaim God’s truth.

Recognizing Spiritual Warfare

Ever feel like there’s more going on behind the scenes of your struggles? You’re not alone. Spiritual warfare is real, and it’s not just about what we see—it’s about the unseen spiritual battles that affect our daily lives. 

Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our fight isn’t against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. This battle isn’t fought with swords or shields but with our choices and how we respond to challenges.

It’s crucial not to view every hardship as spiritual warfare. Sometimes, when life feels challenging, it’s simply God refining us, shaping us into the people He wants us to be. This process can be difficult, but it’s a sign of His love and His desire for us to grow. Distinguishing between God’s refining process and spiritual warfare can be challenging, but it’s a journey of hope and transformation.

This article is a valuable resource for understanding the difference between the ‘refining fire’ of God’s transformative work and spiritual warfare. We will undoubtedly face both the refining fire and spiritual warfare in our lives. However, by learning to discern between the two, we can navigate these challenges with wisdom and strength. It’s a journey of empowerment and spiritual growth worth taking. 

Understanding Your Enemy

Let’s talk about our opponent, Satan. He’s a master deceiver who tries to distort the truth and fill our minds with lies. But here’s the good news: he’s already defeated! Jesus triumphed over him on the cross, securing victory for us (Colossians 2:15). So, while he might still try to deceive and discourage, his power over us is limited by the authority we have in Christ.

The enemy comes to kill, steal, and destroy, which is a stark contrast to God, who has come to bring us peace. I don’t mention these things to scare you, but it is essential to know your enemy. This article from the C.S. Lewis Institute breaks down who Satan is, why he would attack us, how to identify the enemy when he strikes, how to resist him and make him flee. It is a fascinating read.

“I have told you these things so that you may have peace in me. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

The Power of Prayer

Ever feel like you’re in over your head? Prayer is your direct line to God. It’s not just about asking for things; it’s about connecting with Him, aligning your heart with His, and inviting His wisdom and strength into your situation (James 5:16).

Prayer isn’t complicated—it’s simply talking to God, pouring out your heart, and listening for His guidance and peace. It is another way we can exercise our faith and find peace when life leaves us feeling wrecked. Prayer is a surrender to God who hears us, cares for us, and knows us. In this article I share some practical tips on how to live with courage during uncertain times. 

Whether you are battling spiritual warfare or are in a season of joy and plenty, there is always a reason to pray and worship.

If you are fighting the battle of “fearing the future,” this podcast is just what you need right now. It is an excellent episode about overcoming fear of the future. It is an oldie but a goodie as we discuss how paralyzing fear of the future can be. Fear of the future ties into how spiritual warfare can cause chaos when we aren’t careful to recognize and to be prepared to deal with it. 

Embracing the Word of God

Have you ever heard the saying, “knowledge is power”? In our faith, the Bible is not just a source of knowledge but a guiding light of spiritual power. The writer of Hebrews 4:12 beautifully illustrates this, describing the word of God as living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. 

When we immerse ourselves in Scripture—reading, studying, and applying it to our lives—we can discern truth from lies and stand firm against the enemy’s schemes, feeling reassured and supported by the guidance of our faith.

Walking in the Spirit

In Galatians 5:16, the Apostle Paul encourages us to walk in the Spirit, not giving in to the desires of our flesh. What does that mean? It’s about aligning our lives with the Holy Spirit’s guidance, which produces fruit like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These qualities aren’t just excellent but essential in navigating spiritual battles with grace and strength.

In life’s struggles, we naturally crave safety and control. But often, without realizing it, we make safety our god. It took me a while to grasp this truth in my journey. I talked about it in an interview with Focus On The Family, where I shared how I struggled with relying too much on safety during a long, difficult season in my life. 

When we are continually creating a god in the false security of safety we are missing what the one true God has for us. We can’t create a god in safety and walk with the Spirit at the same time. This is a hard reality we all need to face.

Cultivating a Lifestyle of Worship

Worship isn’t confined to Sunday mornings—it’s a daily choice to honor and surrender to God. Whether you’re singing praises, praying prayers of thanksgiving, or simply living in obedience to Him, worship renews your perspective and strengthens your connection with God. It’s a powerful weapon in spiritual warfare, shifting your focus from problems to God’s promises. We are called to worship. It is simple yet effective. It brings God into our difficulties and surrenders our hearts to him when we don’t have the answers to the hurts of this world. 

Engaging with a Community of Believers

Have you ever noticed how things seem lighter when you share them with a friend? That’s the beauty of community. In Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, Solomon reminds us that two are better than one, supporting each other in prayer, encouragement, and accountability. Being part of a community of believers strengthens your faith and provides a support network in times of spiritual battle.

Staying Alert and Vigilant

Imagine walking through a lion’s den—you’d be on high alert, right? The Apostle Peter urges us to be sober-minded and watchful because the enemy prowls like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8-10). Being aware of spiritual warfare helps us recognize when we’re under attack and take steps to defend ourselves through prayer, Scripture, and seeking wise counsel.

Rejoicing in the Victory

Here’s the best part: as believers, we’re already on the winning team! 1 Corinthians 15:57 the Apostle Paul assures us that through Christ, we have victory over sin and death. So, even in the midst of battles, we can rejoice, knowing that God’s ultimate triumph is already secured. Our role is to stand firm in His truth, live boldly in His grace, and walk confidently in His victory.

Bringing It All Together

Throughout our exploration of spiritual warfare, we’ve seen that these battles are not merely physical but deeply spiritual. Again, the Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:12 that our struggle is against spiritual forces of evil, requiring vigilance, wisdom, and reliance on God’s strength.

Spiritual warfare is a continuous battle where we must stay watchful, wise, and lean on God’s power. As Christian women, we are called to be spiritually discerning and proactive in confronting the spiritual forces of evil that seek to undermine our faith and relationships. 

By staying grounded in God’s word, prayerfully seeking His guidance, and supporting one another in community, we can confidently face and overcome the challenges of spiritual warfare.

Keep fighting the good fight, friend, and walk in the victory that’s already yours! I wrote a book about Standing Strong in your faith. I know it will encourage you. Get your copy today. 

Stand strong, knowing that while the enemy seeks to kill and destroy, God came so that we might have abundant life through Him. Remember, you are not alone in this journey—God is with you every step of the way, equipping you with everything you need to stand strong in His truth and victory. As I always say, “You can’t break a woman who gets her strength from God.”

Resources For You

I’ve put together a Battle Plan to help you stay strong in your faith through life’s daily battles. It’s a practical tool to guide that will keep you steady when things get tough. It is my gift to you!

Sometimes Jesus’ call to “fear not” seems like the hardest instruction to follow. In my book, Fierce Faith, I share the secret to overcoming the worries that hold us back is combining the truth of scripture with practical action steps. This no-nonsense, wise advice will encourage you and show you exactly how to cut through the daily clutter of fear and worry to reconnect with your own fierce faith.

Fierce Faith gives you the exact steps to take for real peace and happiness. You will:

• Identify fear-based thinking and know how to finally stop it.
• Overcome the big and little worries in life.
• Learn a simple trick to stop the anxiety spiral.
• Live a more confident, less worried life.