After Joshua conquered Jericho, God said to him, ‘Take all the people of war with you, and arise, go up to Ai. See, I have given into your hand the king…his people…his city, and his land.’ These were warriors who were strong and equipped for battle. In a similar way, we need to take people who are strong and equipped in spiritual warfare with us when we’re fighting spiritual battles. These are the people who are experienced in spiritual warfare and know how to deal with the enemy. They have strategies for victory that they know will work, and a firm faith that rises up and says, ‘If God is for us, who can be against us?’ (Romans 8:31 NIV). The people of war are the people of the Word. They know how to take the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God, and use it to defeat the enemy (have a read of Ephesians 6:17). Anybody can stand with us in the good times, but when we find somebody who can stand with us in the bad times, we need to make sure we don’t take them for granted and that we build a relationship with them. The Bible says, ‘A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity’ (Proverbs 17:17). Real friends stick by us when we’re struggling. It’s in those times that we need friends who are ready to enter into battle with us, who will declare God’s promises over our lives, and encourage us to keep fighting when we feel weak and discouraged. So next time we’re facing a spiritual battle, let’s make sure we’re surrounding ourselves with people who are ready to enter into spiritual warfare with us.

What Now?

Do you have a friend who you know will help you keep focused on God when you’re going through a tough time? Send them a message to thank them for their friendship.