| 1:36 MIN READ |

Most often we think of war as something affecting nations or groups with opposing ideas, agendas, or deep antagonism. The truth is, war happens at lots of levels. People have internal wars. Friendships sometimes turn into battle zones through misunderstanding and hurt. Many households are war zones, filled with hatred, strife, and unrelenting conflict and resentment. Why do our relationships experience so much turmoil?

The answer to the question is spiritual. We are actually in a bigger battle — a spiritual battle! Paul, the apostle, wrote about this in Ephesians 6:10-12 (NIV) “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 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.”

Here we’re told to make a major paradigm shift about our interpersonal conflicts. More often than not, the real culprit stirring up the trouble isn’t people we see, it’s an invisible spiritual enemy. We end up targeting the wrong “enemy.” You never win a war when you’re fighting “the wrong” enemy!

How different would your life and relationships be if you stopped fighting people, and instead, directed your efforts against your spiritual enemy? He’s the divider. He’s the antagonist. He’s the one who takes pleasure in keeping the war going in your house! Rise up and resist him, through the power of Jesus’ name and obedience to God’s Word!

Pastor Dale

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