Scripture speaks at length about warfare. Believers no longer walk under the authority of the enemy, yet sometimes we surrender the fight. Then Scripture tosses the book of Job our way.

Job

What about Job? Let’s read Job 1:8-12 NIV:

Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.”

“Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.”

The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.”

Note God has given Satan limited authority over Job. God gave it therefore He has a purpose in the coming warfare. God limits the authority. Satan must submit to Him, which tells us God has always been in control.

Weapons and Instructions

Until Jesus disposes of Satan and his horde for good, our enemy will battle. Let’s see how God has equipped us:

“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5) Own your weapons.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 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.” (Ephesians 6:10-12) Armor up.

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” (1 Peter 5:8-9) Resistance is not futile. Never surrender.

Job endured his warfare unaware of the battle. Peter and Paul clue us in. How’s the fight? Do you capture thoughts or do they capture you? Do you stand, fully armed and armored? Or are you lounging around in shorts and a t-shirt?

Headship

If you parent children, God has given you authority over them. Not to frustrate them with unreasonable demands (Eph. 6:4), but to shepherd. I believe we as parents have authority in the spiritual realm when it comes to our children. Moms, your husband’s authority covers both you and the kids when it comes to spiritual warfare. We had a warfare experience when our oldest was preschool-aged. My son started banging his head against the wall. No reason. Freaked me out. As I grabbed my son’s shoulders, the eyes that looked back at me were not his. I had little to no training in warfare and I was scared. I screamed prayers over him, but they seemed to evaporate. However, as soon as I called my husband, all demonic activity stopped. 

Cold. 

Like the flick of a light switch. 

It was over before my husband answered his phone. 

Headship matters. The enemy does not fight fairly. He sees toddlers as fair game. Show him no mercy.

If I’ve raised more questions than given answers, start the conversation and everyone weigh in. We sit under God’s authority. He equips us with divine weaponry and He expects us to use it. Sometimes, He even lets us practice. 

But don’t forget those who have yet to be rescued. Satan proves a cruel master. Let’s bring his numbers down.

Workout of the Week: Got Authority? Part 4:Warfare

Memory Verse: Choose your favorite from those above.

Meditation Passage: Job 1

Do It: Report for duty.

March’s Spiritual Discipline: Fasting

If you’ve never fasted, give it a try. You will learn a ton about yourself and your flesh. Though most fasting centers on food, don’t limit yourself. Ask God what He has in mind. Here’s a resource for getting started with fasting.