The night our prodigal came to Christ, two additional events of great significance occurred.
First God poured His love for him into me, assuring me I would need it. Yes, that was an understatement.
Second, that began three sleepless nights engaged in fierce battle with the powers and principalities of the prince of the air. My understanding was that the evil one had always assumed this boy was his. His heritage and early life, before God sent him to us, put him undeniably in Satan’s domain. So when prayers were answered and he said yes to Jesus, the devil was not happy.
Perhaps he thought if he could defeat me, he would have control over our son. If I had been battling on my own, I would surely have lost. But no. I had a far more powerful Warrior on my side — the Spirit Himself.
He was my defense — and also this boy’s defense, shielding us from the fiery darts sent our way. And He was on the attack, giving me words of truth, courage, fearlessness, wisdom — whatever I needed in the battle.
An Ongoing Battle
That part of the battle lasted for three nights and then I was given rest. But the battle has been ongoing, for me and for my son, who often let the enemy claim a victory.
Many tears and fears revealed my weakness but unceasing prayer and supernatural strength and wisdom from the Spirit enabled me to stand in the gap for my son. And still, our enemy is relentless.
The Holy Spirit was, and is always, with me and in me. He was the warrior I needed in this ongoing spiritual war. And as He fought for and through me, He was also the warrior my son needed.
Unfortunately, we too often try to win the war on our own. We forget that we are completely outmatched in all the ways the evil one seeks to defeat us.
We Cannot Do It Alone
Gratefully, our loving Father and beloved Savior have sent the Spirit to be in us and with us. To fight beside us, for us, through us — and He is far greater than our enemy.
See How God Keeps His Promise
“You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4, NASB).
“This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” (2 Chron. 20:15, NIV).
And our theme verse this year: “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts” (Zech. 4:6, MEV).
We face a defeated but still powerful enemy. It’s important to remember that we are still in the battle. That enemy was still after me and especially after our son. So God Himself has provided the required armor. We just need to remember to wear it.
“Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
“Stand firm then with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
“Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests” (Ephesians 6:11-12; 14-18).
What Does God Give Us For This Battle?
These are our weapons: truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God, prayer. Not our own strength or wisdom; not anger or retribution or revenge; not our cleverness nor our power.
And, most important, He gives us His Spirit; a warrior to fight for us in the battle. {eoa}
Judy Douglass is a global writer, speaker and encourager. Her most recent book, When You Love a Prodigal, has ignited her podcast of the same name. She directs Women’s Resources at Cru.
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