Leighann McCoy - Spiritual Warfare for Women: Winning the Battle for Your Home, Family, and Friends

Churches are dividing; parents are divorcing; children are rebelling; gambling, sexual, and chemical addictions are rampant; and the Christian community is experiencing a blues epidemic in an age of anxiety. Could the devil and his angels have anything to do with this mayhem?

Every conservative theologian acknowledges that 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 realm (Ephesians 6:12). Jesus referred to Satan as the ruler or prince of this world (John 12:31; 16:11). The apostle John wrote, The whole world is under the control of the evil one (1 John 5:19). The real question is how a disarmed enemy can have such worldwide influence, and in what way are we vulnerable?

The fact that we are vulnerable is revealed in the High Priestly Prayer. Jesus is about to remove His physical presence from planet earth and leave behind His eleven disciples. One of His disciples was no longer with Him, because the devil had already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simons son, to betray him, Jesus (John 13:2 esv ). Knowing what His disciples would have to face, Jesus prays, My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message (John 17:1520).

The first concern of our Lord is that we be kept from the evil one, and being sanctified in truth is the means by which that can happen. The only way to overcome the Father of Lies is to know the truth, and knowing the truth will set us free (John 8:32). The belt of truth is the first piece of our armor, which is our protection against the deceiver. Satans schemes havent changed much from when he first appeared in the garden of Eden. Eve was deceived and she believed a lie. The breastplate of righteousness is the next piece of armor; it is our protection against the accuser. When we put on the armor of God, we are actually putting on the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Truth, and we are saved by His righteousness. The only real sanctuary we have is our identity and position in Christ.

The apostle Paul has penned a sober warning concerning the times in which we live: The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons (1 Timothy 4:1). That is presently happening all over the world. I have personally counseled hundreds and hundreds of Christians who are struggling with tempting, accusing, condemning, and blasphemous thoughts. In the vast majority of cases, that battle for their mind has proven to be spiritual. Based on 2 Timothy 2:2426, we have learned how to help these dear people resolve their personal and spiritual conflicts through genuine repentance and faith in God. In the process they are submitting to God and resisting the devil (James 4:7). Most experience for the first time the peace of God guarding their hearts and their minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:67).

Satan cant do anything about our identity and position in Christ, but if he can deceive us into believing that it isnt true, we will live as though it isnt. If the Enemy can invade your mind undetected and get you to believe a lie, he could negatively influence your life, and that will affect your marriage, family, and ministry. That is why the apostle Paul admonishes us to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).

My friends Tom and Leighann McCoy have a very fruitful ministry. Tom pastors one of the fastest growing churches in middle Tennessee, and Leighann directs the womens and prayer ministries. They are not ignorant of Satans schemes. Leighann has written a biblically solid and practical book that will be a blessing to the church, and especially helpful for women. She has fought the good fight and wisely instructs others how to stand firm in their faith.

Dr. Neil T. Anderson

Founder and President Emeritus
of Freedom in Christ Ministries