For Real

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
"The weapons of our warfare are not carnal in nature, but useful for the tearing down of strongholds..."
"...The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

When we whisper desperate prayers in hospital rooms. When we silently cry out to God at the news of a loved one's death. When we scream in the night for help because of fears that threaten to overtake us...who are we calling for? What are we praying against? Air?
Do we as Christians, believe in the unseen, or has it become simply a metaphorical battle in which good will triumph over evil in the end, but it will all be unseen, unheard, not felt?
How much have we been deceived into thinking that the atoms and molecules we sit on, drive, and eat are more real than the spiritual realm?
Who are we fighting against if not flesh and blood? Do we forget that?
I don't know how many of us have had the 'privilege' of experiencing the supernatural or the spiritual world up close. I think as children we are closer to it because of our innocence. Things such as angels, mermaids, and princes/princesses are easy to believe at a young age. God as well. And so I think that perhaps a lot of our younger experiences that we chalk up to little kids imaginations are truly more real than our 'reality'. I know why I was scared of the dark. Darkness itself can manifest in a room and sit in a corner. Just as God can surround me in a golden cloud of his warmth and love.
Imaginary friends may not be so imaginary once you start to get the child talking about them.

I am beginning to wonder how much of my life I'm missing because I walk in the physical world too much. There is a balance, yes. You can overboard either way, yes. But if we are truly walking with God in his light and presence, how much more will we 'see'?

I think we have relegated the spiritual world to bible lessons and over-amped Pentecostals. But there is a balance, right? So maybe we're both a little off.

Too many people hold those experiences inside for fear of being labeled whatever label is popular at the moment. I know this only because once sharing my own experiences, they seem to bubble up out of others who are so relieved to find someone else who understands. Relieved. Which is part of the reason FirePlace was started. So that we could all discuss these things that are frowned upon in some churches, or intimidating in others.

What does my prayer look like in the spiritual realm? What does my sin cause and effect?

I think in images. So to me this is what I think of when I pray sometimes, or when I am tempted, or sin. What is going on in the spiritual realm at that moment of temptation? What about when I'm attacked?

It's real...

--MovingGirl