Ephesians 6:12 (CSB) – For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens.
The tragedies and violence we’ve seen all over America this summer remind us that the real battle is not political, it is spiritual. Satan is working through the systems of this world to weaken faith, divide people, and turn hearts away from God.
We’ve seen three horrific incidents in recent days:
The Minneapolis school shooting at a Catholic school. Two young children died and several were critically injured.
The killing of Iryna Zarutska, a young Ukrainian refugee fatally stabbed by a chronic violent offender on a Charlotte train.
The assassination of Charlie Kirk, shot by while speaking on a university campus.
The devil doesn’t care about parties or platforms, he cares about destroying souls. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10). And right now, there is an open war on Christians. Whether it’s pressure to compromise truth, ridicule for holding to God’s Word, or laws that make it harder to live out our faith, Satan is behind the assault.
And yet, in the middle of the darkness, something good is happening. These tragedies have stirred something powerful in our nation, especially among Gen Z. Rather than just scrolling past, many are stopped in their tracks. They’re asking hard questions: What does it mean when someone is attacked simply for being in the wrong place, or for speaking their convictions? Why is violence becoming a tool in public life with more frequency? How does one stay faithful under such pressure?
The Spiritual Opportunity Before Us
These are dark signs, but also moments of spiritual clarity. For Christians, they’re a call to:
Pray with clarity and urgency
The Bible tells us to pray when we see injustice, when the weak suffer (Psalm 82:3–4). These moments call us not just to lament, but to ask God to move in hearts, legal systems, and culture.Stand for truth even when it’s uncomfortable
Following Jesus often means declaring what is right when culture is moving toward outrage, division, or fear. In John 15:18–20, Jesus warns us that the world will hate us if it first hated Him. He didn’t promise comfort—He promised faithfulness.Offer compassion to the broken
Many involved in these incidents are hurting, mentally ill, displaced, or marginalized. There’s an opportunity to reflect Christ’s love by caring for victims, for vulnerable people, and by pushing for justice tempered with mercy. “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).Bring hope in despair
When Gen Z sees horror, they also see that many institutions are failing. Christians have the chance to point to a different Kingdom, a different King. “The government will be on His shoulders” and “His reign will be marked by peace and justice” (Isaiah 9:6–7). Jesus declares peace, even amid storms (John 14:27).Be a voice for healing, not only outrage
Outrage gets attention. Healing builds endurance. Many young people are spiritually open right now; they want answers, they want authentic responses, not soundbites. We can share God’s truth about sin, repentance, love, sacrifice, and redemption in ways that help wounds begin to heal.
How We Armor Up
So how do we stand? Paul says to “put on the full armor of God” (Ephesians 6:11). That means:
Fasten the belt of truth — learn what Scripture actually says about justice, suffering, evil. Don’t let uninformed outrage define the Christian response.
Wear the breastplate of righteousness — live rightly, even when others don’t. Let your life show the difference Christ makes.
Walk in the gospel of peace — you can bring peace not by ignoring pain, but by bringing hope into brokenness.
Raise the shield of faith — believe God is still good, even when the world looks different than we hoped.
Put on the helmet of salvation — remember who you are in Christ; don’t let fear shift your identity.
Take up the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God — Jesus taught in Luke 4:18–19 that He came “to proclaim good news … to bind up the brokenhearted.” God’s Word has power to heal, to expose darkness, to give wisdom in the battle.
Pray without ceasing — for truth, for hearts, for brokenness, for justice (Ephesians 6:18).
Don’t Forget
Yes, there is a war against Christians. But don’t forget this: the victory is already won in Christ. “The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
These moments of horror can also be moments of awakening. God is opening doors for truth, healing, and hope. The battle is real, but the opportunities are greater. Let’s not waste them. Let’s stand strong. Let’s shine.
