For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. -1 John 3:8
As He is, so are we in this world. -1 John 4:17
Just before Jesus’ arrest, in John 17, He prays one of the most beautiful prayers ever recorded. In the prayer, He prays for Himself, His disciples and future believers, like you and I. In verse 18, He says to the Father, “As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.”
We are carriers of His power and presence for this reason and this reason alone: to manifest Christ in our lives and into the lives of all of those around us. And if we’re manifesting Christ, whose life is the light of men (see John 1:4), that means not only are we daughters of the light. We are destroyers of darkness. We are not called to tolerate, coddle or manage darkness. We are called to destroy darkness, with the help of the Holy Spirit, of course.
Anger, jealousy, strife, bitterness, lust, gluttony, anxiety, depression, fear, panic, confusion, hatred, malice, slander, sickness. If it’s not in God’s kingdom, it doesn’t belong here on earth, and God chooses to use us to be the body of Christ — the ministering presence of the Son of God in the world. That is what it means to be the body of Christ: To be as He is and minister as He would minister.
I believe God is raising up a new generation of daughters who are fully equipped to destroy darkness and manifest His glory and power throughout the nations. But if we are to grow up into all that God has for us, we need to remember that our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Neither are the weapons of our warfare carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds!
There is so much more I could unpack here this week, but for now, I want to invite you to listen to our podcast this week, as we begin a series on spiritual warfare. Sisters, the hour is coming where no longer will we be able to meander through life without putting on the full armor of God. There might have been times in the past where we were able to be lazy and forget a piece or two here or there, but those days are behind us. God is calling us higher. No more ground warfare. No more sticking out our fists and fighting or shadow boxing. It’s time to spread our wings and fly above the snares the enemy tries to trap us in so that we can live the overcoming life God had in mind for us all along. If you’re ready to go higher, tune in to this podcast series. I just know God is going to use it to bless your heart!
Lauren is a national speaker, author and Bible teacher. The founder and president of She Found Joy, she is a passionate about helping others encounter Jesus in a way that refreshes their faith and fills them to overflowing with His love and joy. Lauren lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, with her husband, Alex and their dog Reese.
This week’s devotional is so timely! I feel God calling me higher. To rise above the ploys and traps of the enemy and to live abundantly in Christ. To face fear head on and know that I am an overcomer!! Years ago, my older sister encouraged me to memorize Ephesians 6:14-17…I’m so glad that I did! As believers, we need to put on the armour of God daily. We cannot experience victory without it. Far too often we forget that we’re in a spiritual battle. Thank you for sharing your heart, Lauren, and for an amazing podcast that equips women spiritually. I loved the first episode of the spiritual warfare series. It was SO good!
Hi Kristin! What a delight it is to hear from you. You are SO right about the armor of God. And yes! You are an overcomer in Him. Blessings to you and enjoy the podcast!!
Thanks, Lauren! May God richly bless you and Rochelle as you continue to share joy and hope with women through your podcast.