A note in my Bible reminds me of the reality of spiritual warfare, it reads: "Until we know that life is war, we will not know what prayer is for."
There really is a spiritual battle going on and so often it's easy to forget, because it is often unseen. Its victories and losses are keenly felt, but the call to arms is often unheard, until we find ourselves under heavy spiritual attack. These words encourage me:
"Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You're not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It's the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith... Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 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... Prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out" (1 Peter 5:8-9, MSG, Ephesians 6:10b-12, NASB, Ephesians 6:18, MSG).
(Mark Martin)