We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do.
4We 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.
 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NLT

As we look to the coming year, some of us may feel the spiritual battle intensifying.  Have you sensed a heaviness, something clouding your thinking and blocking you from moving forward?  Maybe you were once pretty optimistic about the future and, like me, suddenly realize we may be stuck, with things not improving as fast, or in the same way, as we had expected.

From Genesis through Revelation the Bible is clear that believers in Yahweh and followers of Jesus are in a spiritual war.  Satan and his demonic forces are out to destroy, disrupt and distract God’s people, preventing God’s plans from being accomplished.  We experience that battle in our thinking, because it is a battle for our minds. (2 Cor.10:3-5) Our enemy knows that where our thoughts go, our emotions and actions follow.  His big weapon is mind control, mainly through deception and fear.  Those can cause anger, division, violent action and words, isolation, addictions, depression, and all forms of self-defense instead of trusting in God. 

So, as we begin 2022, let us remember to put on our armor (Eph.6:10-18), be alert to the devil’s tactics to defeat and discourage us, and keep pushing forward in spiritual maturity, obedient to the truth found in God’s Word and filled and guided by the Holy Spirit. 

Dear ones, beware of the demonic strategies of deception and fear that immobilize us.  Determine to seek God and grow in your understanding and knowledge of who he really is and how he thinks.  Test the facts offered to you as truth by seeing if it aligns with what the Bible says.  Stay connected to like-minded believers who spur you on and support you in your mission. Exercise your spiritual authority as co-heirs with Christ against any evil that comes against you.

Above all, remember that, even though the battle intensifies, Jesus already won the war. As an adopted daughter of Most High God, you have already been transferred out of this darkness and are now seated with Christ in the glorious, heavenly realms.  You are dearly loved and nothing can remove you from the Father’s heart.  You were created uniquely beautiful, equipped for everything God has called you to do.  Ultimately, nothing can prevent God from having his way.  Stay close to him, listen to him and thrive in 2022 and beyond!

Dear friends, be blessed with confident hope as you grow in intimacy with Jesus and trust in the Father’s love, direction and protection.  Be blessed with wisdom, clarity of mind and multiplied faith that equip you to align with God’s plans and perfect timing in 2022.  As you resist the lies and fear, may you understand more deeply the overcoming power of God’s grace in and through you. Praise God that we can trust in his goodness and faithfulness! Amen.

Mary Sumner ~ January 25, 2022