In many Christian circles, spiritual warfare is either overlooked or else wrongly sensationalized. September 20th’s Epistle reading (Ephesians 6:10-17) affirms that demons are active in our world and seek to tempt us into wickedness, but the good news is, our Lord Jesus Christ has shattered their power and equipped us to deal with life's many challenges. Indeed, he says to us, "In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
The Gospel is the proclamation of God's victory in Jesus Christ over demons, sin, and death. "So through God you are no longer a slave [to demons, sin, and the fear of death] but a son, and if a son then an heir" (Galatians 4:7). We are now heirs of glory and power. We give thanks because "the weakness of God is stronger than men" (1 Corinthians 1:25), and by the hidden action of God's grace, "[Christ's] strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:8). Christ himself is the strength and armor of God, and we must put him on every day by living our faith with humility and self-sacrificial love.
So are you frustrated by literal or figurative demons in your past or present? Are there bad habits and patterns of sin in your life from which you want to break free? Then know that Christ has empowered you to seek help and healing from the Church and from qualified medical professionals. God has blessed you to move forward, in communion with others who are also struggling to find wholeness. "Give doctors the honor they deserve, for the Lord gave them their work to do" (Sirach 38:1). Christ the Divine Physician, through his saving work, has anointed human physicians and pastors to continue the work of lovingly mending a broken world.
So if you want to find strength today, find someone who is qualified to help you tackle your problems, and also accompany someone who is weak and share the burden together. And if you want to find physical or mental health, reach out to a doctor or counselor, and also accompany someone who is sick and walk together toward wellness. This is the Way of Christ - you are not alone, and God has sanctified and prepared your path to victory.