Introduction
Beloved, many Christians are losing battles not because they lack power, but because
they lack discernment. Paul warns us in 2 Corinthians 2:11: “Lest Satan should get an
advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” And in Ephesians 6:12, he
reminds us: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against
powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in
high places.” If you don’t know what kind of battle you are fighting, you will use the wrong
weapon — and that is an automatic defeat. The very first weapon of warfare is
discernment.
1. The First Weapon of Warfare: Discernment
Spiritual warfare begins with identifying the source of the problem. Not every struggle is
from the devil, and not every struggle is just natural weakness. If you misdiagnose the
problem, you will misapply the weapon. – If the issue is the Flesh, the weapon is
repentance, discipline, and the Word of God. – If the issue is demonic resistance, the
weapon is prayer, fasting, and the authority of Christ. Wrong discernment = wrong weapon
= automatic defeat.
2. Natural Weakness vs. Spiritual Attack
Sometimes you wake up feeling tired, lazy, and unmotivated. You don’t feel like working,
you don’t feel like loving, you don’t feel like doing anything. In that case, a good
motivational message, a powerful quote, or encouragement from a friend can “jump start”
you. That’s not necessarily the devil — that’s just natural weakness. But there are times
when no amount of motivation works. You don’t want to pray, you don’t want to love, you
don’t want to work — and no quote or pep talk can lift you. That’s no longer natural
weakness; that is a spiritual attack. The devil is pressing against your mind and spirit. At
that point, only the Word of God and prayer — sometimes joined with fasting — can break
the oppression. This is why we must balance our understanding. If you over-spiritualize
everything, you’ll see demons in natural tiredness. If you under-spiritualize everything,
you’ll miss demonic resistance. True wisdom is knowing which is which.
3. The Power of Fasting and Prayer
The Lord Jesus Himself taught in Matthew 17:21 and Mark 9:29: “This kind goeth not out
but by prayer and fasting.”
Fasting Without Prayer When a man fasts without prayer, he becomes weak, tired, and begins to question, “Why
am I even fasting?” Because fasting without prayer is just hunger strike. But if he devotes
himself to prayer while fasting, supernatural strength comes to sustain the fast.
Prayer Without Fasting
Sometimes when a man prays without fasting, he finds his mind wandering, his thoughts
drifting. That shows the matter he is praying about is under demonic resistance. No matter
how small the issue looks, it has a spiritual source. In such cases, fasting helps the mind
to focus, sharpens the spirit, and breaks the hold of the enemy.
The Unity of Both
– Prayer helps fasting — it gives strength to continue. – Fasting helps prayer — it gives
focus and sharpness. Together they form a complete weapon for spiritual warfare.
4. Two Degrees of Prayer
We must also understand that there are two degrees of prayer: – Normal Prayer (James
1:13–15): Deals with natural weaknesses, desires, attitudes, relationships, and
communion with God. For these, fasting may not be required. – Warfare Prayer (Matthew
17 / Mark 9): Deals with demonic oppression, stubborn problems, or invisible resistance. In
these cases, no matter how small the issue seems, fasting must be added to prayer to
break through. This is why Jesus told the disciples, “This kind” — there are levels of
battles, and some cannot be overcome without fasting and prayer.
Practical Steps for Walking in Spiritual Warfare
1. Treat Every Situation with Faith and Thanksgiving – 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “
In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” – When
you face situations with faith and thanksgiving, fear is eliminated and your spiritual ears
become clearer to hear the Holy Spirit. – Thanksgiving creates clarity, removes panic, and
keeps your heart anchored in God.
2. Ask for Discernment and Develop the Gift –
The children of Issachar were not prophets, yet they “had understanding of the times, to know
what Israel ought to do” (1 Chronicles 12:32). – Discernment is not optional — it is a gift
every believer must desire and develop. – Ask the Spirit of God daily for understanding of
what is natural and what is spiritual.
3. Listen as Much as You Pray –
Many people only speak in prayer but do not pause to listen. – Spiritual warfare is not just shouting at the
enemy — it is also receiving strategies from God. – As you pray, build silence into your
prayer life and train your spirit to hear instructions.
4. Ask Questions in the Spirit (Test theSpirits) – 1 John 4:1:
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are
of God…” – Don’t assume every dream, every feeling, or every “prophetic” word is from
God. – Ask the Holy Spirit questions: “Lord, is this You? What is the source of this battle?” –
When you test the spirits, you avoid deception and fight the right enemy.
Conclusion
Victory in spiritual warfare does not come by zeal alone but by discernment and right
application of weapons. – First, discern the source. Is it the flesh? Or is it the enemy? –
Second, choose the right weapon. Fleshly issues require the Word, repentance, and
discipline. Demonic issues require prayer, fasting, and authority in Christ. – Third, fight with
understanding. When prayer and fasting work together, no mountain can stand before you.
Beloved, let us not be ignorant of the devil’s devices. Let us walk in discernment, balance,
and power. And when necessary, let us embrace the power of fasting and prayer, knowing
that together they bring breakthrough where normal effort cannot.