Fighting a Battle Already Won

Following Jesus from the Edges
Pastor Calvin Cook
October 28, 2026

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” — Ephesians 6:10–11

There are days when the battle feels very real. It may begin before our feet touch the floor as we think about a difficult conversation, a decision we have to make, a situation in a relationship, or a burden we have carried too long.

Some struggles are visible and noticeable to others. Others take place quietly within our hearts and minds. We wrestle with fear, discouragement, temptation, resentment, or the desire to take matters into our own hands.

One of the songs I listen to regularly is “You’ve Already Won,” by Shane & Shane. Its words speak of fighting a battle that God has already won.

But if Jesus has already won the victory, why does the battle still feel so difficult?

Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has overcome sin and death. Our hope rests in what He has done, even though we still live in a world where evil, temptation, and suffering are real. Christ’s victory gives us a place to stand while the struggle continues.

We are reminded in Ephesians that our struggle is not against flesh and blood. How easily we forget this and begin to see those who disagree with us as the enemy. Yet Paul describes a battle that reaches beyond what we can see or fully understand. This is a spiritual battle, and we need the strength and provision of God to stand.

As we consider holiness, we recognize that the fight becomes more difficult when we stop seeking God and resist the Spirit’s leading. Neglecting prayer, avoiding Scripture, or excusing an attitude we know needs to change leaves us less prepared to stand. So does allowing distractions to keep us from worship, prayer, and fellowship with other believers.

This does not mean every hardship comes because we have failed God. Faithful people face painful battles, too. It does remind us, however, that we need to draw close to Him in every circumstance.

The Apostle Paul instructed the believers in Ephesus to put on the whole armor of God: truth, righteousness, readiness that comes from the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. He also called them—and calls us—to pray in the Spirit on every occasion.

The belt of truth helps us remain grounded in what God says when other voices are loud. The shield of faith helps us trust Him when we cannot see the outcome. The sword of the Spirit calls us back to His Word when our thoughts wander. Prayer continually turns our attention toward the One who is with us in the fight.

Holiness is part of this daily surrender. We can ask God to examine our hearts, cleanse what needs cleansing, and lead us away from whatever pulls us from Him. We can follow the Spirit when He calls us to forgive, speak truth, resist temptation, or be still and trust.

We may not know how today’s struggle will unfold. We may not receive the answer we hope for as quickly as we would like. But we can trust the One who has faced sin and death and risen victorious.

We do not have to stand in our own strength. We can put on the armor of God, pray, listen, and take the next faithful step.

What battle are you fighting today?

Are you bringing it honestly before Jesus? Are you asking the Holy Spirit to help you stand and give you direction? Or are you trying to face the battle without receiving and putting to use what God has already provided?

God’s armor is available to you. Will you put it on today?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the victory You have won through Your death and resurrection. When the battle feels overwhelming, remind me that my hope is in You. Forgive me for the times I have tried to stand in my own strength or ignored the leading of Your Spirit. Make my heart willing to pursue holiness. Clothe me in Your armor, ground me in Your truth, and help me stand faithfully in Your strength. Amen.

Today’s response: Read Ephesians 6:10–18. Name one struggle you are facing, bring it to God in prayer, and ask the Holy Spirit to show you one faithful step you can take today.