The second anyone decides to be a follower of Christ, they enter into a warfare that has been waged since human life began on the earth. The book of Genesis tells of Adam of Eve who spent their days in the presence of God. However, unbeknownst to them, they had an enemy that was seeking their lives. The serpent, possessed with the spirit of Satan, showed up to disrupt their quiet, peaceful lives. Although they had done him no harm, Satan's anger and desire to supplant the will of God was his motive. He won the battle because they failed to recognize the Tempter for who he was. They didn't realize that their continued obedience was the only thing that could keep them in a place of victory.
The Word reveals that we are not fighting enemies that are human. They generally cannot be seen or heard. However, they are real nonetheless. We are fighting Satan, demons, and wicked spirits that formerly comprised one-third of God's heavenly host. Although their forces are innumerable, they are not all-powerful. In fact, there are more heavenly angelic agents working for us (the remaining two-third) than against us. Plus, Jesus gave us power and authority over all the power and ability of the enemy.
But power and authority that is not exercised is useless and ineffective. No matter what speed limit Georgia law stipulates, if the Georgia State Patrol does nothing to enforce the law, violators will not be reprimanded nor prosecuted. In the end, you will have a lot of lawbreakers getting away with it. So it is in the spirit realm. But the fervent, heartfelt prayer of the righteous is mighty like dynamite! It is effective, and sufficiently disables the hand of the enemy.
God is all about warfare. He teaches our hands to war and our fingers to fight. He didn't start the war, but He will not allow His children to be defenseless against the tactics of the enemy. Of such is the kingdom of heaven.
If we stop praying, fasting, giving, believing, and exercising our spiritual authority, our enemies would have a field day. Jesus revealed that the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. He is not playing patty-cake with us. Our destruction is his only desire.
So what would happen if you stopped? Any and everything undesirable would be manifest in your life and the lives of those we love.
Therefore, take the shield of faith, breastplate of righteousness, helmet of salvation, the belt of truth, shoes of peace and the sword of the Spirit and do warfare. For the kingdom of God suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. Operate in God's strength by warring His way. Press the envelope. PUSH: Pray Until Something Happens. Some things only are defeated through fasting and prayer. Give: knowing that it will provide for the kingdom and break the chains of poverty. For what is impossible with men, is possible with God. Fight the good fight of faith relentlessly. And never ever give up on your promise. The Lord is faithful. Whatever He has promised, He will also bring it to pass. You are a soldier in the army of the Lord. And we are victorious!
Be blessed.
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES: Genesis 3:1-14, Psalm 144:1, Luke 10:17-19, John 10:10, Ephesians 6:10-18, 2 Corinthians 2:11, I Timothy 6:12, I Peter 5:8-9.