I was thinking yesterday about the angels, both fallen and righteous, and how because they are 'invisible' to humanity spiritual warfare is often discounted or missed in situations.
The first step in spiritual warfare is discerning that it is happening.
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak." - Ephesians 6:12-20 ESV
A big chunk of scripture there. I notice that the writer isn't blaming these 'cosmic powers' per se. I have met Christians that see demons and devil behind every hardship. They blame speeding tickets on 'the devil' and personal responsibility is deemphasize. This writer knows they are sharing a mystery and that there is mysterious resistance to that activity. The armor he recommends is all invisible also. He isn't prescribing a tin foil hat.
How does a blind man or woman 'fight a good fight.'
"By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible." - Hebrews 11:24-27 ESV
"Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit... (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)" - 2 Corinthians 5:5, 7 KJV
Forgiveness and the promise of eternal life are invisible also. The promises are 'spiritual down payments' that motivate us to move forward.
I understand entirely why if a person even mentions angels and demons folks might shake their heads but seeing the invisible is a key to 'not battling against flesh (people) and blood (our own genetics)'.
God give us eyes to see this week. We want to discern the battle so no one gets hurt by friendly fire. Bless our families and friends. Open eyes to the salvation won for us by your Son Jesus. Give us clarity in our thinking and open doors no man could open. We trust you as we look with our sanctified imagination in Heaven's direction and pray to the Father we can't see with our eyes but know with our spirit. Thank You God. Amen and Amen.
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