Fighting for Those We Love With Prayer

Valerie Offutt

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 NASB

The Daily Battle

I don't like to think about this often. But whether I choose to acknowledge it or not, life is a daily battle. In the spiritual realm, a war has been waged and we’re in it. But we were not created to fight these battles alone. Nor are we necessarily responsible for the outcome. How incredibly thankful I am for that.

Indeed, God is my able and willing defender. He gives the orders and establishes the rules of engagement. Following God’s lead is the part I am responsible for. He determines the rest. Truly there are some things I have no control over. Especially when it comes to other people and their choices. As I write this, my heart is concerned for someone I love very much. My initial response is to want  to come to the rescue and fix it. To knock some sense into them any way I know how before their now small, bad choices snowball into bigger ones with bigger consequences to themselves and our family. 

As I contemplated all the ways I could step in and help, I was reminded of Ephesians 6:12. Yes, there are actionable things I can and should do to set a godly example and demonstrate unconditional love. But the gentle reminder was that the battle is not against flesh and blood, and is best fought in prayer. 2 Corinthians 10:4 tells us that our weapons are not of the flesh, meaning the war we are in is a spiritual one. If we try to win a spiritual war with weapons of this earth, we are setting ourselves up for frustration and failure.

We need spiritual weapons to fight spiritual battles. I was also reminded that our prayers have the power to change the trajectory of a person’s life. I know first hand the power of my mother’s prayers for me when I was making poor choices. I’m forever grateful to have had her fighting the battle for me when I didn’t even realize I was in one. And I’m thankful that she continues to pray for me.

The Spiritual Strategy of Ephesians 6:10–20

So I choose not to panic, but to pause. I meditate on Ephesians 6:10–20 which reveals to us the armor of God and a spiritual strategy for the battle. Its instructions are these:

Be strong. Not in my own strength. But in the Lord’s. My strength in surrendering to the One who is all powerful. 

Put on the full armor of God. This armor only lists one weapon–the word of God. And from that weapon, the protection that comes from the rest of the armor is provided. When I put on the full armor of God in the spiritual realm, it manifests in tangible ways to those around me. It equips me to live out the power of the gospel as I demonstrate truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and security in my salvation.

Stand firm. The Lord is fighting for me and on behalf of my loved ones. I simply need to remain fully grounded in His word allowing it to do its work in me and through me (Exodus 14:13–14). 

Pray at all times in the Spirit. Prayer is the place to wield that weapon that is the word of God–interceding on behalf of another, speaking out God’s truth, declaring His promises, and activating my faith. This is my vehicle for victory. I remove myself from the place of authority I think I have in my loved ones life, and allow the One who truly is in authority do what only He can do. 

For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 NASB

From this posture, God may ask me to advance and take a particular action. But if I get no further instructions, I can simply do what I know to do as a follower of Jesus: keep praying, keep loving, and keep trusting God for the outcome. Only He knows the thoughts and intentions of people's hearts. Although it’s extremely difficult watching those I love walk a hard road, I put my faith in knowing that God loves my loved ones more than I do. And He wants them to have the life He created them for more than I do. And that fills me with comfort, hope, and the strength to surrender to Him.  

Are you interceding for someone today? How can Ephesians 6:10–20 empower you in the battle?

Scripture for Contemplation:

Ephesians 6:10–20

Exodus 14:13–14