Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

~John 15:13 KJV

Memorial Day is the day Americans celebrate our freedom and remember those who died to preserve it. But fighting spiritual battles proves more intense. 

Other countries also designate days to celebrate their freedom and heroes. Freedom is ours because men and women sacrificed their time and sometimes their lives so life could be better for others.

Members of my family fought in the Civil War, WW I, WW II, the Korean War, Vietnam, and the Gulf War. I served in the Vietnam War. Although I didn’t experience combat, many of my friends did, so this day holds special meaning for me.

Deciding to fight for one’s country and people they don’t know proves difficult, but soldiers do it because they love liberty and their countries and want to preserve their freedoms. 

Jesus served us also. Because of our enemy, Christ willingly entered our world to fight our battles. The battles were hard-fought. He skirmished with Satan, who attempted to destroy the souls of Christ’s followers. While in the wilderness, Satan tempted Jesus to surrender His mission. But Jesus was victorious. He laid down His life willingly for us in His final battle on the cross. Even though the battles and skirmishes seemed hopeless at the time, He won an even greater victory. Humanity was saved. Now, anyone willing to take up His cross and follow Him into the battle can share in that victory.

We may never be called into a physical battle like a soldier, but we face spiritual battles daily. Therefore, we must equip ourselves with the proper fighting tools: the Word of God, worship, praise, and prayer.

What steps will better prepare you for spiritual battles?

Lord, give me strength and determination to fight the daily battles against Satan. Keep me from the temptations that would destroy my testimony. Show me also how to help others win their battles against evil. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2023: Fighting Spiritual Battles: Deanna Stalnaker: All Rights Reserved