Have you ever felt like you're in a battle you can't see? Like there are forces working against you, trying to derail your purpose and steal your joy? You're not alone. As believers, we're called to engage in spiritual warfare, but many of us don't fully understand what that means or how to do it effectively. Today, let's dive into this crucial topic and discover how we can armor up for the battles ahead.

The Reality of Spiritual Warfare

As I stood before the congregation, I felt a sense of urgency to address this often-overlooked aspect of our faith. "We don't want to perish," I emphasized, referencing Hosea 4:6, which warns, "My people perish for lack of knowledge." It's time we open our eyes to the reality of spiritual warfare.

Ephesians 6:12 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 isn't just ancient rhetoric – it's a present-day reality we must confront.

The Weapons of Our Warfare

So how do we engage in this unseen battle? Paul outlines our spiritual armor in Ephesians 6:14-17:

1. The Belt of Truth
2. The Breastplate of Righteousness
3. Feet Fitted with the Readiness of the Gospel of Peace
4. The Shield of Faith
5. The Helmet of Salvation
6. The Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God)

But our arsenal doesn't stop there. We also have powerful offensive weapons:

- Prayer
- Praise and worship
- Giving
- Forgiveness
- Generosity
- Rest

"Whatever the enemy brings against you is most likely the breakthrough that is needed," I shared. "That is why the enemy is so coming against it." When faced with spiritual attacks, we must respond with the opposite spirit. Don't want to give? Give until it hurts. Struggling to forgive? Serve the person who hurt you.

The Power of Discernment

In this battle, discernment is crucial. We must be able to recognize the enemy's tactics and not be deceived by appearances. I shared a dream God gave me about a beautiful woman who came into the church but had the Mark of Satan on her. This vision emphasized the importance of spiritual discernment in our warfare.

"We don't want to admit that the devil exists," I noted. "They don't want to talk about it because they think it takes away their authority." But the truth is, we can't defeat an enemy we refuse to acknowledge. We must be alert and aware of the spiritual realm around us.

A Call to Action

As I wrapped up my message, I felt a burning urgency to challenge the church. "We were never meant to sit here and come every single Sunday just to work on our own selves," I declared. "He said feed my sheep. Don't just sit there and feed yourself."

I shared a vision God gave me for our church, The Citadel, to be at the heart of Tucson, holding keys of access to various spheres of influence in the city. But to see this vision realized, we must engage in spiritual warfare and be willing to step out of our comfort zones.

"God is looking for faithful servants that do not care about position, that do not care about jealousy, that do not care to be easily offended," I emphasized. It's time for us to rise up, put on our spiritual armor, and fight for the souls in our city.

Life Application: Putting It Into Practice

1. Daily Armor Up: Make it a habit to mentally put on your spiritual armor each morning. Pray through each piece, asking God to equip you for the day ahead.

2. Practice Discernment: Ask God to sharpen your spiritual senses. When you encounter situations or people, take a moment to seek God's wisdom and discernment.

3. Respond with the Opposite Spirit: When faced with challenges, intentionally choose to respond in a way that counters the enemy's tactics. If tempted to be selfish, choose generosity. If tempted to harbor unforgiveness, choose to bless and serve.

4. Engage in Offensive Prayer: Set aside time each day to pray offensively for your family, church, and city. Declare God's promises and speak life over these areas.

5. Step Out in Faith: Look for opportunities to serve outside the church walls. Ask God to show you where you can make a difference in your community.

Remember, we're in this battle together. As we arm ourselves with God's truth and power, we can stand firm against the enemy's schemes and advance God's kingdom in our lives and communities. Let's rise up, Citadel, and engage in spiritual warfare for the glory of God and the transformation of Tucson!

Sarah McFarland is a member of the Citadel Church in Tucson

Sarah McFarland is a mother, a wife, an author, a speaker, and a female entrepreneur, with a passion for lifting up women and children in need. Sarah has an extensive background in building businesses and creative concepts. Sarah also has a passion for philanthropic endeavors at both a national and international level. While doing so has led her to be recognized for her humanitarian efforts at both a state and congressional level. Sarah is also the founder of “Let Love be Greater,” a 501c3 organization that focuses on providing aid and scholarship opportunities for women and children in need.