Don't Skip the Battlefield: Staying in Position During Spiritual Warfare

We are all in a battlefield. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that "we don't war against flesh and blood, but against principalities, the powers, the darkness." Each of us has a position in this spiritual war, and we must not go AWOL (Absent Without Leave) from our post.

King David's situation with Bathsheba provides a powerful example of what happens when we abandon our position. In 2 Samuel 11:1, we read: "It happened in the spring of the year at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him and all Israel... But David remained at Jerusalem."

David was out of position—at his palace when he should have been at war. This led him to cross boundaries he never would have imagined crossing. Your "Bathsheba" might not be a person of the opposite sex; it could be a drug problem, addiction, anger, bitterness, or rejection. Whatever form it takes, the enemy knows when you're out of position and vulnerable.

How Do I Stay in Position During Spiritual Warfare?

1. Get Close in His Presence

Psalm 16:11 tells us, "In your presence is fullness of joy. At your right hand are pleasures forevermore." We cannot fight spiritual battles on physical energy alone—we need the power of the Spirit.

When we prioritize God's presence, other things become less necessary. Romans 13:14 instructs us to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh to fulfill its lusts." The enemy knows when you're out of position, when you're in a comfort place instead of where God has called you to be.

2. Respond to His Subtle Rebuke

John 16:8 says the Holy Spirit "will convict the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment." Our flesh and darkness work together to get us to compromise, but we must develop a tender heart that hears God's whisper before sin takes root.

1 Corinthians 2:6-16 explains how spiritual people can discern what God is speaking. The natural person cannot receive the things of the Spirit, but those born of God can hear His voice internally. This ability needs to be developed through closeness with God.

Often, God's guidance comes as just a little nudge. As we become more sensitive to these nudges and act on them, we'll begin to experience His "suddenly" moments in our lives.

3. Distance Yourself from Your "Bathsheba"

1 Timothy 6:11 commands: "But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness." We must flee what entangles us and pursue what empowers us.

The faster you flee temptation, the less chance it has to take root and lead you into sin. We cannot negotiate or linger around temptation. As Matthew 6:33 reminds us, we must "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness."

Luke 17:21 tells us "the kingdom of God is within you." That's where we need to run—to the activity of God within us. When temptation comes, God always provides a way of escape, but we must be willing to take it.

4. Repent Quickly When You Miss the Mark

In Psalm 51:10, David prayed, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Restoration doesn't wait on God—it waits on our repentance.

Remember that repentance is for our healing, not for God's information. Sin grows while repentance is postponed, but grace flows when repentance is embraced. The enemy is looking to trip us up, so we must ensure he has "nothing in us" (John 14:30).

5. Recognize That Blessings Follow the Right Choice

James 1:25 promises that the one who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it "will be blessed in what he does." The Christian life isn't about choosing what is easy, but what is eternal.

Obedience is the short road to God's blessings. Galatians 6:9 encourages us: "Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." Obedience now leads to harvest later.

If we go AWOL, we can miss what God has prepared for us to experience. When we do the Word, not just hear it, we experience God's faithfulness firsthand.

Life Application

This week, identify where you might be "AWOL" in your spiritual life. Ask yourself:

• Where am I supposed to be in battle right now? Is there bitterness, anger, or unforgiveness I need to confront?

• Am I prioritizing God's presence, or am I letting physical comfort keep me from spiritual engagement?

• What "Bathshebas" do I need to distance myself from? What specific steps can I take to flee temptation?

• Is there any area where I need to repent quickly rather than postponing it?

• What obedience is God calling me to today that will lead to harvest later?

Remember, when we're in the right position—in the battle where God has placed us—His power backs us up. We're not alone in the fight. Stay in position, and don't skip the battlefield.