One Way to Wage Spiritual Warfare
Can loving our neighbors defeat the enemy? | Random Thoughts | Jesus Christ | Christianity | June 2024
God Showed Up in the Neighborhood
It wasn’t a “dark and stormy night”, and it wasn’t a beautiful day in the neighborhood. It was very late at night when God “did a thing” and started the ball rolling to make happen what He wanted to happen. God knows what goes on in our lives, and He cares. A lot. When He obviously shows up, it takes my breath away.
The Neighbors
Neighbor No. 1
Several nights ago, our next door neighbor, “Ann”, accidentally left a very bright light on and, at 11 PM, it was shining through our windows. She’s older and we knew she simply forgot to turn it off.
After I walked over and let Ann know about her bright light and she turned it off, we stood outside and chatted for a bit. The evening was gorgeous, quiet, a dark sky filled with bright stars, and the temperature was perfect. She’s a Jesus follower. She got quiet and said, with sadness in her voice, “Pray for John.” That’s all she said.
Back in my house, I sat and prayed. I knew who she meant. Our neighbor “John”, who’s also a Jesus follower, has had a challenging year. When I’d see him out walking, I’d ask him how he was, and he’d update me in general terms. He’s a private fellow. My prayer that night was simple: “Lord, show us what’s going on, how we can help John.” I went to bed.
Neighbor No. 2
The next evening was just as gorgeous as the night before. We’re fortunate to live in an area where there’s not much light polution. I stepped outside to gaze at the stars and pray before I went to bed. Maybe five minutes went by when I noticed movement to my left not far down the street. Even in the dark, I knew who it was, and I stood there, waiting for him.
The darkness hid me, and he was startled when I said, “Hello, John, how are you?”
He stopped and greeted me. Then, his floodgates opened, and that’s all I’ll say for he’s a private fellow. But, he shared with much emotion details that answered any questions about how to “pray for John”.
When I went back inside, husband was reading a book, which gave me time to process what had just happened. God showed up. In less than 24 hours from when Ann shared her prayer request, then I prayed and asked God what He wanted us to do, John showed up.
The Family of God
That night, I texted two sisters in the Lord who are great prayer warriors. They both eagerly agreed to pray for John. Then God showed up again.
Sister No. 1: “How can I help?”
Sister No. 2: “Can we send something to help him?”
Out of the blue, and from their hearts, they not only agreed to pray, they responded as God led them to help in a tangible way.
They showed up. God showed up.
So, What About Spiritual Warfare?
I was so taken by my sisters’ texts and immediate desire to help that I responded to one with what flooded my thoughts.
Loving, Giving, and Praying
When a member of the Body of Christ needs encouragement, especially when it’s someone who tends to hide their needs and “suffers in silence” alone, we fellow siblings can show up—as we’re able—and demonstrate God’s love, concern, and care for that brother or sister. Whenever we serve our King by serving others, we’re waging spiritual warfare and striking a blow against our enemy.
How? We’re doing the opposite of what our enemy desires. We love instead of hate. We give instead of hoard or grasp things too tightly. We pray instead of not talking with our Lord. When God shows up and we participate in what He’s doing to encourage someone, the enemy definitely loses.
Because God.
Matthew 25:37-40 (HCSB)
37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or without clothes and clothe You? 39 When did we see You sick, or in prison, and visit You?’40 “And the King will answer them, ‘I assure you: Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’ [emphasis mine]
Maranatha, come Lord Jesus.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Conversation & Community
Your Turn
When you’ve faced difficulties, how has the Body of Christ touched your life in positive and tangible ways? How did those actions affect your faith?
And, if God has led you to help others in tangible ways,
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Great blog Jenise! This reminds me of that verse “overcome evil with good” Romans 12:21. Thanks for the encouragement to do that 😊
This was such a great lesson and reminder, and it was exactly when I needed to hear it. Thank you.