We all have heard the term “spiritual warfare” at some point of our lives, right? Well, what is it exactly? Let’s ask some questions…
Who has struggled with their spiritual walk with Jesus?
Who wants to have a closer walk with Jesus?
And, everyone says, “I do!”
However, do we actually understand the commitment that goes into getting closer to Christ? It’s the new year and we all pretty much have put that we want to have a closer walk with Christ as one of our goals, right? But how are we going to do that? Are we willing to go through the troubles, trials, and persecution to know who our Creator is personally and intimately?
For me personally, God has taken me on this journey for a while to really get intimate with Him, really know Him, and love Him for every need on this earth. However, that is another blog for another day. But with that journey, I’m learning to deny myself pride, wants, needs that are physical, etc. He is teaching me that in order to fulfill my calling, I have to consecrate myself from the world. Now, some of you are wondering what consecrate means or even have an idea what it means. From the book given to me, it is called: Pictorial Bible Dictionary by Merrill C. Tenney, et. al, published 1975, page 181 is where I’m getting my definition from. No rights to exact wording, just using to explain.
Consecration means, “an act by which a person or thing is dedicated to the service and worship of God”(Source: Pictorial Bible Dictionary, pg. 181).
In Hebrew there are three meanings for consecration:
1) hāram, “devote”’ I will consecrate (“devote”) their gain unto the Lord” (Micah 4:13). 2) nāzar, nēzer, “separate” (Num. 6:7,9,12). 3) qādhēsh, “to be set apart,” i.e., set apart from that which is common or unclean. (Source: Pictorial Bible Dictionary, pg. 181).
Therefore, consecration means to devote, to separate, and to be set apart. Hmm, that requires us to really get alone with God and surrender our lives to Him right? RIGHT!
You may be thinking, I’ve tried that, done that, failed, I’m not worthy, etc. But called you to be wonderful, blessed, Holy, sanctified, peculiar, and more. We have to make up in our minds that we want that closeness with our Creator and devote our lives to Christ. We have to understand that we have to separate from the world (get away from all distractions), and to be set apart (from which is common or unclean). In better words, you have to sift through television shows, series, music, activities, habits, people, items, and anything else that may distract you from having a consecrated life with Christ. Is this an easy thing to do? No. Have I tried it? Yes, plenty of times. This is where spiritual warfare comes into play. God talked about Spiritual Warfare many times in the Bible, but I will give a few that helped me understand what we (as the body Christ) are up against. Just remember, the battle is already won!
2 Timothy 2:3-4 (NKJV): 3) You there must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4) No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
Ephesians 6:10-13 (NKJV): Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, (and) against spiritual host of wickedness 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.
Therefore, this spiritual warfare is no joke. If you can imagine this, we are literally in a fight with the entire spiritual host, which is wickedness and part of the darkness. If we do not put on the whole armor of God daily, how are we guarded from the enemy?
Women: We are Spiritual Warriors! That means we have authority to allow God to work on our behalf. But in order to do so, we have to continue to consecrate ourselves and put the whole armor of God on daily. We can’t fight if we haven’t trained correctly. God loves us so much that he gave us a manual, which is the Bible, and His Son, who died on the cross for us, in order to have eternal life. That’s amazing! What better Savior to have?
In conclusion, spiritual warfare is nothing to play with. We have to take this seriously. Walking with Christ is nothing popular; in fact, it is the narrow way. Not many will understand what you are going through. Many revelations will come through to you, but not everyone will understand. Our ultimate goal is to be like Christ, and the way to do that is to study His Word and be in His presence constantly! And ladies, I have to take my own advice as well. He loves to spend time with us! God loves you unconditionally. Don’t ever think that because your sin seems over the top, too much, crazy, redundant, that he won’t forgive you. We have to repent (turn away) and ask for forgiveness. He will then take us on a healing adventure. He loves His children so much! He is always there waiting on us to commit and consecrate ourselves to Him.
Remember, we are rejoicing in our hope in Christ! Rejoice through the storm and rain, because there is always sunshine when it is all done!
God Bless Warriors in Christ!
I’m Elizabeth M. Burns (Liz) and I have a BA in Family and Consumer Science. This degree entails similar subject matter pertaining to Home Economic, but with so much more focus on preventive methods and programs for family within our local community. With this degree, I have freedom to become wherever my heart’s desire. I have chosen the path that God has called me to which is children and woman. As my current journey through life, I’m seeking to become a future business owner of my program for women and hopefully children. As I journey through life, I will always realize that without Him, my life doesn’t count for anything. Achieving my purpose is what I am constantly working on. Life continues to bring new adventures for me to explore. I’m willing to go new heights and make every moment a memory. With God, life will continue to be awesome amazing.
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