Sermon Title: The Fog of War
Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-13
Speaker: Pastor Avery Wiles
In the natural world, fog serves a purpose—it moistens the ground, nurturing the earth in its subtle, obscured way. But fog also blurs our vision, making it nearly impossible to see what lies ahead. This confusion can be dangerous, especially for a soldier in the heat of battle. And in many ways, our spiritual lives can feel just like that fog: blinding, bewildering, and heavy.
As we navigate through 2024, it’s clear that we’re in a season of spiritual warfare. The fog surrounding us isn't just a physical phenomenon; it’s a spiritual one, designed to test our resolve and our faith. The Bible speaks of this battle in Ephesians 6:10-13, reminding us that we don’t wrestle against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil.
Recognizing the Fog of War in Our Lives
This year has been murky, filled with uncertainties, and many of us are dealing with the emotional toll that spiritual warfare takes. The fog represents confusion, even for those of us actively serving God. But in these moments, God is calling us to wake up. Scripture and prophecy are coming to pass, and it’s time to prepare for what lies ahead. Romans 8:28 reminds us that in all things, God is working for our good, even in the midst of confusion.
The fog in our lives isn’t without purpose. It is often God’s way of preparing us for the future. Though the path may seem unclear, we are covered by His protection. The battle belongs to Him, and we are not wrestling against mere people or illnesses but against spiritual forces. We declare, "Satan, we have come to tear your kingdom down," knowing that God is on our side.
Navigating Spiritual Warfare: Trusting in God's Covering
In the Book of Job, we find strength in the statement, “Though you slay me, yet will I trust Him” (Job 13:15). We need God to lift this fog off our lives, to clear our paths, and to bring us into His light. 1 Peter 5:7 encourages us to cast all our burdens on Him because He cares for us deeply. Our prayers should be for purity and transformation. Worship has the power to change us, drawing us nearer to God and aligning us with His will.
We are not called to fight people; our enemies are spiritual. God instructs us to wield His Word in battle. In this war, we walk in the authority God has given us, knowing that His power within us is greater than anything the devil could muster. Worship becomes our weapon, and by lifting up the name of Jesus, we push back against the darkness.
Embracing God’s Authority Over Our Lives
We often think of power in terms of money or influence, but true power comes from character, and there is only one name that can change everything: Jesus. With His authority, we call down every high place, every stronghold, and declare victory in our homes, our bodies, and our finances. We are reminded that we must choose whom we will serve (Joshua 24:15), for light and darkness cannot coexist.
Overcoming the Fog: Standing Firm as Spiritual Warriors
So how do we break free from this fog? First, we must come out of hiding. God calls us mighty warriors, stronger than we think. It’s time to fight—not with earthly weapons, but on our knees, in the Spirit, with the Word of God as our sword. The fog will lift when the Son rises, just as fog dissipates in the natural world with the heat of the sun. For us, this heat is the fire of the Holy Spirit, which burns away confusion and brings clarity.
In these last months of 2024, we can trust that God is going to make our paths clear, lifting the fog of war and setting our feet on new ground. Remember, it won’t always be like this. God is at work, and He will guide us through every battle, lighting our way with His unchanging love and power.
Let us go forth in His strength, proclaiming His victory, and allowing the fog to clear as we lift up the name of Jesus. With Him, we are prepared to face whatever lies ahead.
Comments