New Day, New Year, and New Beginnings - 31 Days of Fresh StartsSample

More Than a New Year's Resolution...

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds...
2 Corinthians 10:3-4

How might spiritual warfare become a part of the discussion of new ways of living, new directions, or new outcomes?

We can make new or repeated New Year’s resolutions, attempt to walk in a new way, try harder, and pray longer, but often to no avail. When this occurs, we must ask the Holy Spirit to help us discern what is genuinely going on and why we might be stuck. Lifestyle choices that started as toeholds may have become strongholds that we can’t break free from in our own strength. Something more is at work than just mere habits.

Our adversary, the devil, with the help of his demonic minions, are in no way peers of God. The Scriptures tell us they are created beings, finite and limited (Ezekiel 28:11-19). Yes, the devil has a bit of might, but our God is Almighty. Still, in our ignorance of the adversary’s devices, we may have opened doors to him, knowingly or unknowingly. It is by the power and authority of Jesus’ name that He has given us to use on His behalf and the power and authority of His Word that we are armed to defeat the enemy (Mark 16:17, Ephesians 6:17).

We live in an old, fallen, broken, and evil world. What Jesus came to do was destroy the works of the world’s evil ruler—and He did, handing to us the necessary tools to walk in breakthrough for ourselves and others (1 John 3:8, Colossians 2:15, Luke 10:17-20). Examine His Word for yourself.

Yes, this is a big topic, yet it’s simple. Lord Jesus has invited us to bring His kingdom down into every situation we face personally and for others, inside and out (Matthew 6:10). Spiritual battle takes place in prayer, led by the Spirit, and armed with His Name and His Word.

Sometimes, to see something new happen, we must go to war.