What To Do When You Don’t Feel Like Engaging In Spiritual Warfare
Spiritual warfare can be one of the most challenging aspects of a believer’s walk with God, especially when you don't feel like fighting. It’s easy to get tired, discouraged, and overwhelmed by the constant battle. Whether it’s the pressures of everyday life or the weight of spiritual attacks, there are times when you might feel like giving up. But in those moments, the God of Israel is calling you to stand strong, reminding you that the battle is not yours, but His.
Why Does Spiritual Warfare Feel So Exhausting?
In the Messianic Jewish faith, we understand that spiritual warfare is real. It’s not just an abstract concept—it’s the daily battle against forces of evil that seek to destroy God’s work in our lives. The enemy will use anything he can—distractions, discouragement, fatigue, and fear—to keep us from engaging in the fight.
But here's the good news: we are not alone in this battle. God has equipped us with everything we need to stand firm, even when we don’t feel like it.
The Tanakh Reminds Us of God’s Power in Spiritual Warfare
In times when you feel weak or unwilling to engage in the fight, it’s essential to remember that the victory is already secured through God. The Tanakh is filled with stories of warriors, prophets, and kings who found their strength in God, even when they felt powerless.
1. The Battle Belongs to the Lord (Exodus 14:14)
"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."
In Exodus 14:14, as the Israelites faced the terrifying Red Sea and the Egyptian army, Moses reminded the people that God was the One who would fight for them. This is a powerful reminder for us today: when we are facing overwhelming spiritual battles, we can trust that the Lord is fighting on our behalf. We need only to rest in His power, even when we don’t feel like engaging.
2. Strength Through Adversity (Isaiah 40:29)
"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak."
Isaiah 40:29 speaks to the weariness that we all experience, reminding us that God strengthens those who feel weak. If you don’t feel like fighting today, take comfort in knowing that God’s strength is made perfect in your weakness. You don’t have to fight on your own; He will empower you to stand.
3. Stand Firm in Faith
Even though this verse is found in the New Testament, its message aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Tanakh. God equips His people with the armor of His righteousness, enabling them to stand firm, even in the toughest battles. If you don’t feel like engaging, remember that the armor is already on you—just stand firm in faith.
4. God Is Our Refuge and Strength (Psalm 46:1-3)
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging."
Psalm 46:1-3 paints a picture of God’s unwavering presence and strength. Even when it feels like everything around us is crumbling, we can take refuge in God. His strength is our strength, and His protection is our shield.
5. Trust in God’s Timing and Plan (Jeremiah 29:11)
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God has a plan for our lives, even when the battle feels overwhelming. His plans are good, and even in our moments of spiritual exhaustion, He is working all things for our good. Trusting in God’s ultimate plan gives us the courage to keep fighting, even when we don’t feel like it.
How to Engage in Spiritual Warfare When You’re Exhausted
Here are some practical steps to take when you feel like disengaging from the spiritual battle:
1. Rest in God’s Presence
Sometimes the best thing you can do in the midst of a spiritual battle is to pause and rest in God’s presence. Take time to pray, read the scriptures, and reflect on God’s promises. Allow Him to renew your strength.
2. Remind Yourself of the Truth
The enemy’s goal is to convince you that you’re alone, weak, or incapable of overcoming. Counter these lies with the truth from God’s Word. Speak verses of victory and strength over yourself.
3. Call on the Power of Yeshua
As Messianic Jews, we know that through Yeshua (Jesus), victory is assured. Call on His name in times of need. His name is a strong tower, and the enemy cannot stand against it.
4. Surround Yourself with Fellow Believers
Even in spiritual warfare, we were never meant to fight alone. Reach out to fellow believers for support and prayer. There’s power in unity, and sometimes, just knowing that others are standing with you can renew your strength.
5. Remember Your Identity in God
You are a child of the King. The enemy may try to make you feel insignificant, but remember that you are deeply loved by God. Stand firm in the identity that He has given you.
Victory Is Already Won!
In times of discouragement and weariness, it can be easy to forget the ultimate truth: the victory has already been won! Through the Messiah, Yeshua, we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37). Even when we feel like retreating, we can take heart in the fact that God’s promises are true, and He will see us through to the end of the battle.
So, when you don’t feel like engaging in spiritual warfare, take heart. Rest in God’s strength, stand firm in His promises, and know that the battle is ultimately in His hands.
Conclusion
Spiritual warfare is not easy, but it is necessary. Even in those moments when you feel exhausted, discouraged, or unworthy, remember that God is fighting for you. He has equipped you, He is with you, and He will never leave you. Keep standing firm, because the victory is already secured in Him.
Call to Action
Feeling exhausted in your spiritual battle? Take a moment right now to pray and declare God’s strength over your life. Join the Messianic Jewish community and share this message with others who need to be reminded of the truth. Together, we stand firm in His victory!
Keywords:
Messianic Jewish, spiritual warfare, Tanakh, victory in God, strength in spiritual battle, God's promises, engage in spiritual warfare, Yeshua, trust in God, stand firm in faith
