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.

Ephesians 6:12

Paul takes us deeper into an understanding of the spiritual battle we are engaged in.  I seldom consider this.  What or who are we struggling against as we follow Jesus Christ?  I suppose the most important thing is to define the enemy.  As I ponder Paul’s words I am reminded that there is dark world, spiritual forces of evil that are determined to erode the faith of believers.   He calls them the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  My mind has trouble trying to comprehend this – forces in the heavenly realm that are arrayed against the disciples of Jesus Christ.  The circles in which I live do not try to understand it, or even recognize its reality.

Whether I understand this or not, it is a reality that Paul is talking about.  In fact, come to think of it, it is the world view of all saints through the ages.  I understand that Martin Luther even threw his ink well against the devil!  I think of evil people, evil influences and the like.  Paul sees a realm where the spiritual powers are seeking to destroy the power of Jesus Christ.

I found that my African friends had an awareness of this realm than I did, by far. We followers of Jesus in all ages and in all cultures are battling against a determined enemy!  He is unseen but there all the while.  His battle is against those who love Jesus and follow him.  Do I believe that?  Lord, give me spiritual eyes to see!