Are You Awake Now? 5 Ways to Live Courageously in a World at War with God

For decades, many in the church have slumbered, lulled into complacency by comfort and prosperity. But the times have changed. Hostility toward Biblical Truth is no longer hidden in the corners of culture—it’s marching boldly into the spotlight. Violence against Christians is on the rise. Hatred of the Gospel is increasingly open. Around the world, believers are paying the ultimate price for their allegiance to Christ.

In Nigeria alone, thousands of Christians have been murdered in recent years by extremist groups targeting them simply because they bear the name of Jesus. Here in the West, hostility is intensifying. As churches are targeted and people are killed in broad daylight, the possibility of dying for Christ no longer seems like an impossibility. The tone toward Christians in politics, media, and education has shifted from tolerance to scorn, and at times, even outright violence.

The question is no longer, Will there be a cost to following Christ? The question is, Are you awake now to the reality of the battle raging around you?

The Invisible War Made Visible

In my new book Winning the Invisible War, I reveal one of Satan’s most dangerous deceptions: that he does not exist. That deception is unraveling before our very eyes. The invisible war is becoming visible in every headline, every policy debate, every violent attack against Christians around the globe.

The apostle Paul was clear: “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” (Ephesians 6:12).

Behind the cultural clashes, behind the persecution, behind the temptations you face in your personal life, there is a spiritual reality. Satan hates Christ, and because you belong to Christ, Satan hates you.

Are you awake now?

Why the Stakes Are Urgent

It is tempting to explain away what we see as merely political, cultural, or generational. But when mobs burn churches, when faithful believers are dragged from their homes in the middle of the night, when Christian students are mocked or silenced for their convictions, we cannot ignore the deeper reality: this is spiritual warfare.

Satan’s goal has always been the same—to silence the witness of God’s people and to turn hearts away from the Lord. And yet, while opposition grows louder, too many Christians remain spiritually asleep—unaware, unprepared, and unequipped.

But make no mistake: indifference is not an option. Neutrality is not possible. The invisible war is raging whether we acknowledge it or not. And if we do not wake up now, we will be swept away by it.

5 Ways to Wake Up

What does it mean, practically, to wake up to the invisible war raging all around us? Here’s how the Bible calls us to live as we face Satan’s attacks from without and from within:

1. Draw near to Christ. The Bible says, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you” (James 4:7-8). The invisible war is not only “out there”—it is inside you. Keep watch over your heart. Immerse yourself in God’s Word and draw near to Him in prayer.
2. Expect opposition. Jesus promised, “In this world you will have trouble” and “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first” (John 16:33, 15:18). Don’t be surprised by hostility from others or opposition from the enemy himself. Instead, be prepared for it, knowing that God is using your “light and momentary troubles” to make you more like Him (2 Corinthians 4:17).
3. Don’t fight alone. God’s Word tells us to “carry each other’s burdens” and “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Galatians 6:2; Hebrews 10:24). Lone-ranger Christianity is a recipe for defeat. Lean on the body of Christ and be the body of Christ—through prayer, confession, encouragement, and accountability.
4. Speak Truth with courage. Silence may feel safe, but it cedes ground to the enemy. With humility and boldness, testify to Christ where you live and work. Remember that the Holy Spirit is the one who “does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).
5. Use the tools God has given you. Scripture says, “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” and “Take up the shield of faith . . . and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:11, 16-17). Instead of responding as the world does—with hatred, despair, or self-help—put on the armor God has given you.

Truth be told, too many of us charge into battle wearing spiritual pajamas! We wonder why Satan’s arrows and the trials of life pierce us so easily. But thanks be to God, He has not left us defenseless. Watch my sermon series, where I reveal the significance of the six specific pieces of armor outlined in Ephesians 6:13-17 and what it means to put it on each day.

Stand Up, Wake Up, and Put On Your Armor

The days of spiritual sleep are over. The invisible war is real, and the cost of discipleship is rising. But you do not have to face it unarmed—or unaware. God has given you His Spirit and His armor so you can stand firm, persevere, and proclaim His truth boldly.

So I ask you: Are you awake now? Will you get back on the frontlines of the spiritual battle—and receive the victory Christ has already given you?

In my new book Winning the Invisible War, available now for your gift of any amount to Leading The Way’s Gospel ministry, you will discover how to:

• Recognize the battlegrounds of the soul—understand how Satan attacks your mind, heart, and will.
• Put on the full armor of God daily—from the belt of Truth to the sword of the Spirit.
• Stand firm in faith amid opposition—learn to face hostility, temptation, and spiritual attack with confidence.
• Draw near to Christ in prayer and Scripture—equip your soul for victory moment by moment.
• Engage the body of Christ—find strength, accountability, and encouragement in community.
• Don’t be a spectator in the invisible war. Get on the frontlines—for your family, for your church, for this nation, and most importantly, for the glory of God.

Request your copy of Winning the Invisible War today from Leading The Way—and find strength for your everyday battles. Your gift will help advance the Gospel in North America, the Middle East, and Remote Villages through Leading The Way’s timely Open Door Campaign.

Additional Resources:

• MY Faith Assistant – Personalized answers to your faith questions, instantly. Try it now at MyFaithAssistant.com.
• Pastoral Care – One-on-one pastoral care at no cost. Connect with a pastor now.
• Your Spiritual Battle Guide (FREE PDF) – A practical guide unveiling 5 times we are most vulnerable to Satan’s attacks, 5 postures of spiritual victory, and more. Download your FREE copy here.
• Winning the Invisible War, Part 1 – A practical teaching series with in-depth, Biblical insights on spiritual warfare. Watch it now: