I don’t know the source of the phrase “them’s fighting words!” but it came to mind the other day when I was working on memorizing a scripture in 2 Corinthians.  I think I have mentioned before that I have a rather random mind, which can be entertaining at times.  However, the verses that ignited my thoughts come from chapter 10, verses 3 to 5:  “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.  For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”

I think the context of the phrase speaks of defending the honor of one’s self or their loved ones.  However, in a spiritual setting, it speaks to me of proclaiming truth in the midst spiritual attack.

This is conjecture, sourced primarily from experience, but I believe that there are times in our lives when demonic activity is ramped up against the church corporately as well as individual Christians.  I had some craziness going on in my finances the past few months, including some fraudulent activity, unexpected expenses, and some issues with my computer that ended up costing quite a bit.  It is incredibly naïve to think that any area of our lives is off-limits to demonic assault, so I asked God whether this was “just happening”, a spiritual attack, or if there was something in my life that needed adjusting.   The Holy Spirit responded to my heart:  No, Yes, Yes!  (He is not always so brief, but I was pretty specific in my questions.)

The first two answers are quite self-explanatory, and the Holy Spirit let me know the adjustments that I needed to make in my life.  It started with my willingness and attitudes about giving.  Sometimes I let fear determine my generosity instead of the Holy Spirit—it is up to me whether I am going to believe what God says in His Word, though:  “There is one who scatters, yet increases more; and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty.  The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself” (Proverbs 11:24, 25).

And, “But this I say:  He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.  So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.  And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8).

Spiritual attacks are wonderful opportunities to make adjustments in our lives that will bring greater honor to God and glory to His kingdom; and they are best handled with prayer (“praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit” Ephesians 6:18), Holy Spirit insight (“When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come” John 16:13), and countered with scripture—“the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17).

My daughter came home in tears earlier today because of a situation that came up at work, calling into question her integrity.  Interesting, because living her life and working with integrity is a principle she lives by; however, this issue has the possibility of far-reaching implications.  This is exactly the type of problem that the enemy will use to create fear and uncertainty, causing us to wonder if God is capable, or cares enough about us, to bring us through in triumph.  We have the assurance, though, “that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 2:28).  And as Joseph’s brothers came face to face with him years after their abuse and betrayal, we can echo his confession, “you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good…” (Genesis 50:20).

Demons often attack our faith in God, what we believe to be true (scripture) and our identity or value as His child.  Scripture counsels, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.  But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4).  And sound counsel from the apostle, Peter:  “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.  Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.  Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world” (1 Peter 5:14).

“Fighting Words” – that is what this blog is about.  We are children of our heavenly Father, not victims of a ruthless enemy.  God gave us a book of hope, of salvation, and promises to fight back when the enemy attempts to assault us.  I pray that we, as God’s beloved, will learn to fight back with the weapons available to us through His grace.