Spiritual Warfare

Of course spiritual warfare has taken on new life this week. It's the perfect week to attack. A week full of deadlines, our family being separated, a surgery (not for us), and more. It's a week where we need strength, endurance, faith, and connectedness. So, of course, that's when the battles heats up.

A first camp experience is under way. This is both wonderful and hard.

A surgery is happening this week and I will not be there as support. I have been given permission to release any responsibility regarding that fact, yet a part of me is sad.

We close excrow on our NEW HOUSE on Friday! Deadlines of final walk through, paper signing, wire transfer... all need to be aligned so as not to cause confusion or delay.

We need to pack up our belongings and clean the rental house. But what will we need ASAP and what can wait and will we have a fridge soon enough??? Ugh, such anxiety. This too shall pass.

So, where's the spiritual warefare?
On Monday I was digitally attacked TWICE. Once in a group that is supposed to be supportive and encouraging. Apparently, to one individual that means snark and chastisement. Once via a personal text message series. The latter was the worst because it was a pure violation of boundaries, trust, and perceived friendship. I have no choice but to claim spiritual warfare because that behavior, those words, were so uncharacteristic of this person. I have chosen to block that person in the ways I can so that they will no longer be a way for demons to reach me. I do not need such a willing vessel in my world.
Add to those things, the feelings of anxiety, stress, fear, worry, etc are all dark. They are not given by God. They are accessible to me because of my humanity and they are squelched because of my redemption at the Cross. 

I am grateful for Christ's sacrifice of himself for me. I don't deserve it. Most days I have a hard time receiving it. This week I am trying to not only receive it but also swim in it, breathe it in, see it, hold it, share it. It is a glorious thing to be able to recognize spiritual warfare and realize I have the tools and armor necessary for battle.

The Whole Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
12 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. 
13 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.
14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,
​20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.