For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere. (Ephesians 6:12 AMP)
David Yungi Cho, in his book "The Fourth Dimension", made the point years ago that there is a spiritual reality that shapes the physical reality that we live in. If you can change the spiritual, you can change the physical. Paul, in Ephesians, reminded us that the issues of our lives are basically spiritual in nature and we need to focus our efforts on that as opposed to what we see. Every circumstance in our lives begins in the spirit realm. If we ignore that we are setting ourselves up for failure.
Paul said in Ephesians 6:10-11 (AMP):
10 In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].
11 Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.
We can do all manner of things to fight our battles here on earth, many of which are good, effective, and even noble. There are many things that wisdom dictates to make our lives better. Good stewardship with our money goes a long way toward financial success, just as eating well is good for our bodies. Paul told Timothy to take a little wine for his stomach (1Tim 5:23) and that physical exercise is good but it's more important to concentrate on spiritual growth (1Tim 4:8). We must not forget that we are primarily spiritual beings and our lives will go on long after our existence on this earth ends.
If we become ill, whether it's a common cold or cancer, we need to condition our response first to addressing the spirit as opposed to the physical. If we are facing financial difficulties, or have trouble in our relationships, whatever the issue, we need to realize that what we see is simply the earthly response to a spiritual condition.
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) (2 Cor.10:4 KJV)
Our battle is in the spirit! Strongholds in our lives are ripped apart! We are transformed, changed, by the renewing of our minds to the likeness of God, thinking and acting as He does (Rom. 12:2).
So how does God act? He speaks of things that are not as though they were!
As it is written, I have made you the father of many nations. [He was appointed our father] in the sight of God in Whom he believed, Who gives life to the dead and speaks of the nonexistent things that [He has foretold and promised] as if they [already] existed. (Rom. 4:17 AMP)
The worlds were created by the word of God.
By faith we understand that the worlds [during the successive ages] were framed (fashioned, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose) by the word of God, so that what we see was not made out of things which are visible. (Heb.11:3 AMP)
He spoke them into existence.
And if the Spirit of Him Who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, [then] He Who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead will also restore to life your mortal (short-lived, perishable) bodies through His Spirit Who dwells in you. (Rom. 8:11 KJV)
His Spirit is in us and by Him our bodies are raised up and healed as we speak His Word over ourselves. We speak His words by His Spirit and spiritual forces go to work creating life within us! Life is literally created out of death. Health is created out of sickness. Abundance is created out of lack. What we see is created out of what we don't see!
So how does God act? He speaks of things that are not as though they were!
As it is written, I have made you the father of many nations. [He was appointed our father] in the sight of God in Whom he believed, Who gives life to the dead and speaks of the nonexistent things that [He has foretold and promised] as if they [already] existed. (Rom. 4:17 AMP)
The worlds were created by the word of God.
By faith we understand that the worlds [during the successive ages] were framed (fashioned, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose) by the word of God, so that what we see was not made out of things which are visible. (Heb.11:3 AMP)
He spoke them into existence.
And if the Spirit of Him Who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, [then] He Who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead will also restore to life your mortal (short-lived, perishable) bodies through His Spirit Who dwells in you. (Rom. 8:11 KJV)
His Spirit is in us and by Him our bodies are raised up and healed as we speak His Word over ourselves. We speak His words by His Spirit and spiritual forces go to work creating life within us! Life is literally created out of death. Health is created out of sickness. Abundance is created out of lack. What we see is created out of what we don't see!
Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place]. (Ephesians 6:13 AMP)
Go! Speak! Create!
Go! Speak! Create!
