Purpose in the Fight: Lessons from Spiritual Warfare

Sometimes in life, we come to a point where we feel an undeniable pull to pursue what’s deeply embedded in our hearts. It’s the dreams we’ve carried for so long, the purpose we were created for, the longing that whispers, “Now is the time.” But stepping into that purpose isn’t always easy. It often means facing challenges that test our faith, resilience, and spiritual strength.

I recently found myself in such a battle, one that opened my eyes to the reality of spiritual warfare and how it intersects with the choices we make to follow our calling. What transpired wasn’t just a series of events but a profound experience that taught me about rising above unseen battles with faith, prayer, and discernment.

A Dream That Spoke of Challenges

One night, I dreamt of a curled-up snake. It was still, lying in my path, almost as though waiting to strike. Instead of being overcome with fear, I leapt over it and moved on. At first, I didn’t think much of it, but as I reflected, the imagery began to take shape. The snake seemed to represent hidden challenges, past pains, or temptations lying dormant, waiting for an opportune moment to disrupt my progress.

Yet, the act of jumping over it wasn’t just a detail of the dream; it held meaning. To me, it was a reminder that through God’s strength, we can overcome even the most subtle snares that aim to derail us from our purpose.

The Bible often uses symbols of snakes to convey deep spiritual truths. They represent deception in Genesis 3 but also healing and renewal in Numbers 21, where the bronze serpent was lifted as a sign of hope. The dream felt like a wake-up call, urging me to stay vigilant and rely on God’s guidance as I moved forward.

When the Past Resurfaces

The next morning, my dream was followed by an unsettling event. Out of the blue, I received an email from someone responsible for a painful chapter in my life. Years ago, this individual hurt me deeply, both emotionally and financially. Their sudden reappearance, expressing love and a desire for reconciliation, stirred up emotions I thought I had long since buried.

At first, I felt shaken. But as the timing lined up with my dream, I realized this wasn’t just coincidence. It was a test… A test of whether I had truly moved past that hurt, of how firm my boundaries were, and of whether I would allow distraction to pull me away from the purpose God was calling me to.

Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, “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.”

What seemed like a random email was, in fact, part of a spiritual battle.

Equipping Myself for the Fight

Around this same time, I had just begun reading Prepare for War by Rebecca Brown. Through the book, I gained insights into spiritual warfare and the tools God provides to overcome it. The lessons about recognizing the enemy’s schemes and standing firm in faith were exactly what I needed to hear.

One key takeaway was the importance of wearing the full armor of God as described in Ephesians 6. This includes truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, and the Word of God, which acts as a powerful sword against spiritual attacks. The dream, the email, and the wisdom from Rebecca Brown’s book all converged to show me that I was in the middle of a spiritual battle but also that I was not fighting it alone.

Practical Lessons for the Journey

Through this experience, I’ve come to realize that spiritual warfare is a part of stepping into one’s purpose. If you’ve ever felt like your heart was pulling you toward something great, but challenges emerged as soon as you started moving in that direction, you might be in a spiritual battle too.

Here are a few practical lessons that have encouraged me, and I pray they encourage you too:

1. Root Yourself in Prayer
   Prayer is one of the strongest weapons we have. It brings clarity, protection, and peace. When you feel overwhelmed, turn to God and present your worries to Him. Philippians 4:6-7 promises that His peace will guard our hearts and minds.
2. Learn Discernment
   Not every challenge is spiritual warfare, but patterns and timing can often reveal a greater battle. Pray for wisdom and seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in understanding what’s happening.
3. Set Firm Boundaries
   Forgiving someone doesn’t always mean allowing them back into your life. Protect your heart, as Proverbs 4:23 reminds us, and trust God to handle situations beyond your control.
4. Put on the Armor of God
   Meditate on Ephesians 6 and prepare yourself with spiritual tools like faith, righteousness, and God’s Word. These are your defences against attempts to derail you from your path.
5. Anchor Yourself in Scripture
   Turning to passages like Psalm 91 and Isaiah 54:17, reminded me of God’s unwavering protection and victory over the schemes of the enemy.

This entire experience reminded me of something powerful. While spiritual warfare is very real, so is the strength and victory we have in God. Through prayer, discernment, and standing firm on God’s promises, I can overcome the battles that threaten to hold me back.

If your heart is calling you toward something greater, don’t hesitate to pursue it. Yes, there may be challenges, but you are more equipped than you realize. Each obstacle you face is another opportunity to grow in faith and fulfill the purpose for which you were created.

Remembering the comforting promise found in Deuteronomy 31:8, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

No matter what challenges arise, you don’t have to fight alone. Trust in God, stand firm in faith, and step boldly onto the path He has set before you. There’s no greater joy than fulfilling the dreams you were born to live. Keep pressing forward, and know that victory is already yours.