When Freedom Brings Opposition
A few weeks ago, we gathered for the women’s retreat and made room for God in a way many of us never had before. Some of us walked away feeling lighter, freer, and more at peace. Others—myself included—walked straight into a battle.
No one told me that saying “yes” to God would trigger spiritual warfare.
But it makes sense, doesn’t it? When we step into freedom, we become a threat to the enemy. When we start believing God’s truth, the lies don’t go down without a fight. And when we choose to walk in the Spirit under the New Covenant, we can expect resistance.
I started digging into this last night, asking: If we’re walking in the Spirit, does that include spiritual warfare? The answer is a resounding yes.
New Covenant, Same Battle
Under the Old Covenant, the Israelites’ battles were mostly physical. They fought enemies with swords and shields, winning or losing based on their obedience to God. But under the New Covenant—where we are called to walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16)—the battle isn’t against flesh and blood anymore.
Paul makes this clear in Ephesians 6:12:
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
Walking in the Spirit doesn’t mean we avoid warfare—it means we fight differently. The battlefield has shifted from the physical to the spiritual. The weapons have changed, but the fight is still real.
Why Does Spiritual Warfare Increase When We Walk in the Spirit?
If you’ve felt more resistance after saying “yes” to God, you’re not crazy, weak, or doing something wrong. You’re actually experiencing what happens when:
You stop being passive. Before, you might not have noticed the battle because you weren’t actively pushing against it. But now, you’re taking ground.
You’re living in the truth. The enemy’s greatest weapon is deception. The moment you start replacing lies with God’s truth, you’re dismantling his strongholds.
You’re aligned with God’s will. The closer you walk with the Holy Spirit, the more you disrupt the enemy’s plans. He’s not going to sit back and watch.
But here’s the good news: Jesus has already won the war. Our job is to stand firm in the victory He has already secured. And that’s where the armor of God comes in.
The Armor of God: Our Spiritual Battle Gear
In Ephesians 6:10-18, Paul lays out how we fight spiritual battles—not in our own strength, but with God’s armor. Let’s look at each piece through the lens of someone who is actively walking in the Spirit and facing warfare.
The Belt of Truth (Eph 6:14a)
"Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist..."
Truth is our foundation. When the enemy whispers, "Did God really say...?" (Genesis 3:1), the belt of truth holds us steady.
Why do we need it? Because spiritual warfare starts in the mind—with lies, doubt, and deception.
How do we wear it? By standing on what God says, even when our emotions or circumstances say otherwise.
Personal Reflection: If I’m struggling, I ask: What truth do I need to hold onto right now? What lie is trying to shake me?
The Breastplate of Righteousness (Eph 6:14b)
"With the breastplate of righteousness in place..."
When we walk in the Spirit, we live from the righteousness of Christ—not our own performance. The enemy loves to attack our identity, making us feel unworthy, but our righteousness is secure in Jesus.
Why do we need it? Because guilt and shame are some of the enemy’s favorite weapons.
How do we wear it? By rejecting condemnation (Romans 8:1) and choosing to walk in obedience.
Personal Reflection: When I feel unworthy, I remind myself: My righteousness isn’t based on how I feel, but on what Jesus did.
The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace (Eph 6:15)
"And with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace."
Peace isn’t just a feeling—it’s a weapon. The enemy thrives on chaos, fear, and anxiety. But when we walk in peace, we are unshakable.
Why do we need it? Because the enemy wants to keep us off balance, hesitant, and afraid.
How do we wear it? By standing firm in God’s promises and refusing to be driven by fear.
Personal Reflection: Am I making decisions out of fear or peace? Am I standing firm, or am I letting worry dictate my steps?
The Shield of Faith (Eph 6:16)
"Take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one."
The enemy’s attacks come in the form of doubt, discouragement, and distraction. Faith is what blocks those attacks.
Why do we need it? Because fiery arrows will come—but they don’t have to take us down.
How do we wield it? By actively trusting God, even when we can’t see the outcome.
Personal Reflection: What fiery arrows are coming at me right now? Am I holding up my shield, or letting doubt creep in?
The Helmet of Salvation (Eph 6:17a)
"Take the helmet of salvation..."
The battlefield is in the mind. If the enemy can mess with our thoughts, he can mess with our walk.
Why do we need it? Because the enemy loves to attack our identity and security in Christ.
How do we wear it? By renewing our minds with truth (Romans 12:2).
Personal Reflection: What thoughts am I allowing in? Are they aligned with my identity in Christ?
The Sword of the Spirit (Eph 6:17b)
"And the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."
This is the only offensive weapon. Jesus Himself used Scripture to defeat Satan (Matthew 4:1-11).
Why do we need it? Because we can’t fight spiritual battles with human wisdom.
How do we use it? By speaking and applying Scripture in every situation.
Personal Reflection: Am I speaking God’s Word over my situation, or just my feelings?
Keep Standing
Walking in the Spirit means walking in victory, but it doesn’t mean walking without opposition.
If you’ve felt the heat of spiritual warfare lately, don’t be discouraged. It’s a sign that you’re stepping into something significant.
Keep standing. Keep walking. Keep fighting.
And remember—you’re not fighting for victory. You’re fighting from victory. Jesus has already won.
