The spiritual realm is real. Though unseen to the natural eye, it is more real than the world around us. Everything that happens in the natural has its roots in the spirit. If you do not understand this, you will be at a disadvantage in life and in ministry.
Many Christians live as though the natural realm is all there is. They go about their daily routines, make their decisions, and fight their battles in the flesh. Yet the Word of God teaches that we wrestle not against flesh and blood. The true battles are spiritual. If you do not deal with them in the spirit, you will never gain the victory.
One of the greatest tricks of the enemy is to keep believers focused on what they can see and feel. He knows that if you stay in the natural, he will defeat you every time. But when you learn to live aware of the spiritual realm, you can rise above his tactics.
I have seen again and again that when a person gives themselves to prayer, especially praying in other tongues, they become more aware of spiritual realities. Things that once seemed mysterious become clear. They begin to discern the true source of opposition. They are no longer moved by outward circumstances, because they know what is happening in the spirit.
I remember times when it looked like certain situations in the natural would not change. People tried everything they knew, but nothing worked. But when prayer went forth — real, Spirit-led prayer — the situation shifted. Why? Because the spiritual realm had been dealt with. Once the spirit realm is changed, the natural realm must follow.
This is why the enemy fights your prayer life so hard. He knows that a believer who prays is a believer who will walk in victory. If he can keep you natural-minded, he will keep you defeated. But if you will stay in the Word, stay in prayer, and stay full of the Holy Spirit, you will walk in the reality of the spiritual realm — and you will overcome.
You cannot fight spiritual battles with natural weapons. No amount of reasoning, arguing, or effort will change what is rooted in the spirit. It must be addressed spiritually. This is why you must be led by the Holy Spirit in all things. He sees what you cannot. He knows what is happening behind the scenes. If you will follow His leading, you will always be a step ahead of the enemy.
Many of the things people struggle with in the natural are spiritual at their root — sickness, strife, confusion, oppression. Yet they try to fix them with natural means. Until the spiritual root is dealt with, the problem will remain. The good news is that through the name of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit, you have authority over the works of the enemy. You can change what is happening in the spirit — and the natural will have to line up.
Never forget: what you see is not all there is. The spiritual realm is working even now. The enemy is active, but so is the Spirit of God. The prayers of the righteous make great power available. If you will take your place in prayer, stay full of the Word, and obey the Spirit of God, you will not be caught unaware. You will walk in victory, because you understand the r
