How Is the War Going?

As Angela and I monitor the situation in the Middle East, waiting to see whether the Lord will open the door for our Holy Land trip to proceed as planned, my thoughts have turned to spiritual warfare.

We know spiritual warfare rages around us. We know we are part of God's army. But knowing it intellectually is one thing. What does it really mean personally? Am I truly a soldier in God's army? Am I living up to that role?

That's where my mind went. And this is the answer I received.

We are no mere soldiers. We are generals. Revelation says so multiple times. Chapters 3, 5, 20, and 22 all declare that we will reign with Him. The Lord entrusts His children with leadership. We are rulers. In this spiritual war, we are generals with territory to take, hold, and protect.

This calls to mind Ephesians 6:12: "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." Our enemies are spiritual: demons that take hold of locations and dwell there… locations where we live and work.

So ask yourself: What domain has the Lord put you in charge of, General? Your home. Your immediate neighborhood. Your cubicle at work. The Lord isn't asking you to heal the nation. He gave you dominion over a specific place, and it is your responsibility to take it for the Kingdom, drive out the enemy, and hold it.

What is the condition of your domain? Is it clean of spiritual enemies, or do demons dwell there, hindering your walk with God? Does the spirit of Anger reside there? Unforgiveness? Does a Lying spirit lurk in your domain? Does Lust launch attacks there? Pride, Greed, Chaos. Many demons are vying to make camp in your territory.

No one else will take up this battle and drive them out. That task falls to you alone. The Lord has given you authority over these demons and over your domain. This spiritual battle is real, and it is serious. Seek out these enemies and drive them out.

This is the essence of spiritual warfare.