I awoke today in a strange but familiar funk. From time to time I have strange dreams that leave a glaze or residue on my day. It can be frustrating to have this experience, that you have no control over, color your waking hours. And often times after coming round and remembering these midnight memories, I know that I am in for a battle on this particular day. This is a sign, a signal, that something is afoot. See, I believe the dreams are significant in a march larger way. They are a puzzle piece to a much larger attack I must endure. Call me strange or fanatical if you like, but I believe these dreams and the ensuing battle throughout my day to capture my thoughts and rend my heart into a posture of humility–these things are part of a larger spiritual battle.
One of the most famous New Testament writers of the bible wrote these words in a letter to a church in the first century:
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. [The Enemy]
See as people our experience is much broader than this world. Its a battle against what I may step out and call a spiritually coordinated coalition of dark things; spiritually dark things.
All humor aside, I believe this battle I fight today, one of mind, heart, and spirit, is actually quite bigger than even a mere battle of one against something greater. It is a battle we all endure, whether we choose to fight or not. This fight is something millions endure from BG Ohio, to Zomba, to Xi’ an. I challenge you to go to Voice of the Martyrs and read some other peoples battles, they may look different from yours. While some people endure things far more treacherous and heinous than we may ever endure, I assure you the battle is one in the same. That which is Good, versus that which is evil; God and the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ, against the spiritual forces of evil.
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 firm.