S11.17 | When Everything Goes Wrong: Recognizing Spiritual Warfare and Standing Firm
In this raw episode, Carla opens up about the intense wave of challenges her family has faced - injuries, health scares, job loss, and even a basement flood - and how she has discerned that this season is more than coincidence. It’s spiritual warfare.
Carla shares how Scripture frames the battle we face, how to recognize when the enemy is attacking, and the practical ways Christian women can stand firm, steady their minds, regulate their bodies, and anchor themselves in the victory of Christ.
If you’re walking through a season that feels chaotic, heavy, or strangely targeted, this episode will remind you of the truth: you are not weak, you are not alone, and no weapon formed against you will prosper.
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3 Key Takeaways from This Episode
Spiritual warfare is real, and attacks often intensify when you’re stepping into purpose.
You can stand firm by anchoring your mind in Scripture, guarding your atmosphere, and staying regulated.
Victory is already secured — the enemy can form weapons, but they will not prosper.
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Resources:
5 Steps to Building Resiliency
Affirming Truths Facebook Community
5 Tips for Overcoming a Negative Body Image
Who You Say I Am Biblical Affirmation Cards
Quick recap
Carla shared her personal experiences with spiritual warfare, discussing how various challenges in her life were part of a larger spiritual battle against darkness, and emphasized her commitment to remaining steadfast in her faith despite moments of doubt. She explored practical strategies for standing firm against spiritual attacks, including anchoring in truth, guarding one's atmosphere, and utilizing spiritual armor through prayer and Bible study. Carla encouraged her audience to trust in God's presence and purpose during spiritual battles, highlighting that such challenges often indicate significant divine purpose and that victory has already been won through Christ.
Summary
Faith Amid Family Challenges
Carla discussed her family's recent challenges, including Caleb's injuries, her health concerns, Terry's job loss, and a home flood, which she believes are part of spiritual warfare. Despite these difficulties, Carla emphasized her resolve to remain steadfast in her faith, asserting that her strength comes from God and her knowledge of the ultimate outcome of the battle. She acknowledged moments of doubt but highlighted her ability to recenter herself in truth and continue her work empowering women.
Overcoming Trauma and Mental Illness
Carla discussed the impact of healing trauma and living successfully with mental illness, emphasizing its generational benefits. She referenced Ephesians 6.12 to highlight the spiritual battle against darkness and the enemy's efforts to destroy. Carla also noted that attacks often intensify as purpose increases, drawing from biblical examples.
Ministry Challenges and Victory
Carla discussed her experiences with spiritual warfare, drawing parallels between Jesus, Nehemiah, and Paul's challenges during their missions. She shared her plans to expand her ministry by attending seminary and running her Rooted and Resilient course again in February, noting that the enemy feels threatened by her work. Carla emphasized that despite opposition, the battle is already won according to scripture, citing Colossians 2:15 and Isaiah 54:17.
Understanding Spiritual Warfare Manifestations
Carla discussed the nature of spiritual warfare, explaining that it often manifests as sudden chaos in multiple life areas, including health, relationships, and daily challenges. She emphasized that while spiritual warfare can feel overwhelming, it is not a sign of God's absence or punishment, but rather an indication that one is on mission for Christ. Carla clarified that not all hardships are spiritual attacks, distinguishing between natural consequences of living in a fallen world and actual spiritual warfare, which requires relying on God's strength rather than personal effort.
Spiritual Warfare Defense Strategies
Carla shared practical strategies for standing firm against spiritual warfare, emphasizing the importance of anchoring one's mind in truth, guarding one's atmosphere, staying under God's covering, strengthening one's nervous system, and standing in authority. She highlighted the significance of using Scripture to counter fear, maintaining a regulated nervous system through practices like breath prayers and walks in nature, and recognizing the victory already won in Christ. Carla encouraged listeners to trust in God's presence and purpose when faced with spiritual attacks, asserting that such challenges often indicate a significant divine purpose in their lives.
Engaging in Spiritual Warfare
Carla delivered a passionate speech about spiritual warfare, emphasizing the importance of actively engaging in spiritual battles through prayer, worship, and studying the Bible. She highlighted key elements of spiritual armor, including salvation, righteousness, truth, peace, faith, and the Spirit, urging listeners to be proactive in their spiritual defense. Carla referenced Joshua 6 to illustrate how faith and obedience can lead to miraculous outcomes, encouraging her audience to remain vigilant and committed in their spiritual journey.
Building Obedience and Faith
Carla reflected on her recent experience of walking around a wall for six days, noting that God used this action to build obedience and dependency in her. She emphasized that while the situation may seem unchanged, God is working to deepen her faith and trust in His faithfulness, encouraging others to wake up and stand in their authority.
Faith, Victory, and God's Protection
Carla shared an encouraging message about standing firm in faith, citing Isaiah 54:17 and emphasizing that Christ has already won victory for believers. She reminded listeners that while serving the kingdom may attract opposition, they can trust in God's protection and ultimate victory.