The Cage Match

A Battle Royale is a fight that starts with multiple fighters and ends with just one. It may be fought in a ring or a cage. My first introduction to a Battle Royale was in the novel, The Invisible Man, by Ralph Ellison. It seemed like an impossible feat for any person in that ring to win, especially someone that was blindfolded. This was a fictional account made up in the mind of a man. Spiritual warfare can feel like a Battle Royale. However, there
are some who have not truly experienced life yet and may not understand the concept of spiritual warfare. Many Christians, both young and old, know scriptures and the Bible stories but they do not hold relevance in their lives, yet.

As you grow in Christ, the relevance of God’s Word will become clearer. You will learn the importance of leaning on Christ, trusting in His Word, and believing what is read instead of just knowing it. There is a distinct difference between knowing and believing. Knowing something is simply having the knowledge of it, but believing is accepting what you know to be true. For example, you can know an area is dangerous, but if you believe it is dangerous you will avoid that area. You can know that Christ died for your sins, but if you believe it you walk boldly in that knowledge.

Understanding the depths of spiritual warfare is important but believing that it exists is monumental in surviving it. Sometimes an older person will say, “Just keep living” when a young person hasn’t experienced something. Growth in Christ is the same. As you grow, you will experience different tests. Spiritual warfare is a test and is often similar to a Battle Royale. In this type of battle, situations may arise back-to-back, knocking you down, over and over. There may not just be one demon assigned to you and there may not just be one situation. You must know what you are dealing with or it will overwhelm you.

Moreover, the Bible tells us, that although the conflict you are having may be with a person the real fight is not with the person but with principalities, with supernatural powers, with rulers of the darkness, and spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12). To beat this battle, you must believe not just know that such battles exist. Believing that spiritual warfare is real will determine how you respond to the flesh and blood people who are being used. Believing that spiritual warfare does occur will determine how you fight back. Believing spiritual warfare exist will have you turning to God’s Word for wisdom and defensive maneuvers instead of your flesh.  You will fully understand that your ways are not God’s ways and the only way to effectively fight a spiritual battle is by spiritual means. You must put on the full amour of God (Hebrews 6:11) for this battle.

The Bible tells us, that we should cast all our cares upon the Lord and that we should be alert with a sober mind because our enemy the devil walks about like a roaring lion seeking whom he can devour. Can you imagine being surrounded by a multiple of roaring lions? Would you panic? Would you know what to do? In a Battle Royale, instincts kick in and you fight to the finish. However, in a spiritual battle royale, you must remember who you are fighting and how to fight that adversary. The Bible says, we are to come into such a battle strong in the Lord and in the power of His might and with the FULL armor of God on.

Lastly, in this battle and all battles, the Lord gives us everything we need to withstand the clever tricks of the devil and what is needed to survive anything thrown at us; we just must use the weapons He gives.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank You for protecting, providing, and preparing us for all battles. Thank You for Your Word that teaches, guides, and informs us on how to handle spiritual attacks. Forgive us for turning to our flesh to handle spiritual warfare. Thank You, for Your patience as we get “it” together and do things according to Your Word and Your will. Lord, teach us when and how to stand and how to be strong in You. Continue to remind us of the importance of the armor and thank You for keeping us safe even when we neglect to put it on. Spiritual battles must be fought with spiritual weapons, and we are so grateful for the arsenal You have given us. Thank You, Lord, for the lessons learned in battle and the battles won in Your Name. You and You alone deserve all the glory and all the credit for every battle won and every well fought fight. And when the fight is over, Lord, we will give You all the praise and all the honor. In the precious name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.
By Sis. Patricia Towns