How to Wrestle Against Principalities and Powers in Your Life—and Win
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12, KJV)
This truth may disappoint some Christians—I sincerely pray that is not the case for you. However, if you grasp it, it will transform how you perceive the spiritual realm and engage in the battles concerning your life, family, health, and finances. Let me show you what the Bible says about wrestling against principalities and powers—and winning.
The Misconceptions About Spiritual Warfare
Many believers—especially in charismatic circles—have removed the influence of demonic entities from their daily lives and instead associate them only with cosmic battles, occult practices, witchcraft, or clashes with territorial spirits in the sea and air. Yes, these powers operate in such ways, but here is the key truth I pray you receive: the majority of their activity has nothing to do with those things.
As some of you who have followed our ministry may have heard me say, most of you will never see a demon in your lifetime. Some of you may never experience direct encounters with witchcraft or sorcery. Yet, it would be a grave mistake to assume these principalities and powers are not at work in your life and family. The problem is that we have developed a mindset that expects demonic activity to manifest in a specific, dramatic way—yet they often operate differently.
How Do We Wrestle Against These Powers and Win?
What does the Bible say is the best way to engage in this battle? Surprisingly, it does not start with prayer—though prayer is essential. Instead, Scripture tells us to put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:11). It then describes these weapons: salvation, truth, righteousness, faith, the Word of God, the gospel of peace, and more (Ephesians 6:13-17). Do these look like weapons to most Christians? They don’t—but God declares that they are mighty!
Now, let me challenge your perspective: for someone reading this today, the most powerful action you can take to strike a devastating blow against the principalities attacking your marriage or home is to forgive someone and release that bitterness. Yes, that is the armor of God in action! For others, it may be giving up a sexual sin that has opened a door for demonic destruction in your life.
The True Strategy for Victory
Brethren, the greatest way to wrestle against these principalities is to walk in righteousness, walk in the Spirit, bear the fruit of the Spirit, and, of course, be a person of prayer and the Word. And yes, there will be times when we must confront witchcraft, sorcery, and occultism.
Here’s the key: embrace the full counsel of God’s Word. If you only walk in righteousness but ignore direct demonic manifestations when they arise, you will be vulnerable. On the other hand, if your focus is solely on confronting demons in cosmic battles while neglecting righteousness, these powers will still ruin your life, family, and health—while you remain distracted by the wrong fight.
May the Lord help us walk in His wisdom and remain vigilant against the devices of the wicked one (2 Corinthians 2:11, KJV).
Meditate
Here’s a question I often ask believers—to their surprise: When was the last time you were attacked by a demon? Pause and reflect on this devotional before answering.
Apply the Word
Are you putting on the whole armor of God? Do you see spiritual warfare as only a matter of prayer, or are you also walking in truth, righteousness, faith, etc? Are there areas in your life where principalities and powers may have access—without you realizing it? Let this truth (the belt of truth) help you wrestle against them and win!
Pray
Ask the Lord to help us all put on the full armor of God and trust that His weapons do work.
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