The other day I looked down to see a little sticker stuck to my shoe. My little girl had put a sticker of the movie “Alice in Wonderland” on my back and somehow it ended up on my shoe. I saved it and put on the inside of the car door. The reminder came just in time, let me tell you. It was a wonderful reminder to have the courage and faith to fight what was coming.
This week I was struggling with some demons of my own making and had some terrible nightmares. Personal struggles had got me down and I hadn’t been making the best choices. Instead of seeking God or doing something to encourage growth, I watched movies. Why did I choose to watch horror flicks about demons, dragons, and witches night after night? I actually thought I could “see” a dragon staring me down in my living room the other night.
Because I am secure in God’s love, I wasn’t afraid of the percieved demonic presence. I submitted myself to God. I resisted the enemy. I prayed for my family. And I took up my sword.
I loved the bit about the sword in the Disney movie Alice in Wonderland. It reminded me about the reference in the Bible regarding the “sword of the Spirit”, which is the word of God. Alice was told, “the sword knows what to do. All you need to do is hold on to it.” How true that is in the battle we all fight against our own Jaberwokis (the “dragons” of sin, failure, depression, etc….) So hang on to the word of God and the Word of God! It knows what to do!
So as I wrestled with the demons intent on dragging me down to hell… attempting to terrify me so they can feed on my fear, to give in to lust so they can feed on that, to incite me to believe God cannot possibly accept me (see previous post for game changer secret on that!), I took up the sword. Yes I literally visualized a sword and gripped it in my hands knowing of course that this spiritual sword represents God’s promises to me, His word, and his favor.
I waved it around slicing imaginary dragons and demons. I even brought it through me to divide soul and spirit (as the Bible says the Word does – It reveals the thoughts and intents of the heart) and also to remove any demonic presence on me. Of course this is all just my playful way of appropriating Gods truth to my situation and also to declare to myself that I’m worth fighting for.
You are worth fighting for!
So take up your sword and fight! Here are a few warfare Scriptures to get you started:
“Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.” – Peter (1 Peter 2:11 NLT)
“But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me.” – Romans 7:23 NLT
“We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. 4 We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. 5 We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. 6 And after you have become fully obedient, we will punish everyone who remains disobedient.” (2 Corinthians 10:3-6 NLT)
The Whole Armor of God
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. (Ephesians 6:10-18 NLT)
‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts. – Zechariah 4:6
The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. – 2 Timothy 4:18
Ps. Have you lost your muchness?
Daniel Lovett 