Warfare in the Streets
We stepped off the streetcar onto the concrete landing, the Southern heat radiating from the pavement like waves. That’s when we saw her—motionless, sprawled across the sidewalk. A young woman, sound asleep, her skirt hiked up, garters exposed, her vulnerability laid bare. Evidence of a hard life clung to her thigh—a small packet, possibly meth or cocaine, taped tightly to her skin.
There was no mistaking her situation. Yet more than sorrow, I felt a yearning to speak life into her—to whisper the truth that she is not forgotten, that she is created in the image of God. But she lay there, out cold and unreachable. The moment passed, and we walked on, heavy-hearted.
Southern Louisiana carries a palpable weight. A spiritual fog seems to hover, as thick and persistent as the morning mist rising from the bayou. New Orleans, steeped in centuries of mysticism, history, and yes, voodoo, pulses with an unmistakable beauty that often feels shadowed by darkness.
Time and again, my encounters in this city left me stunned. Not just by what I saw, but by what I sensed. The city felt like a battleground—and indeed, it is.
The Battle Beyond the Flesh
The Apostle Paul wrote:
“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.” – 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
We are not merely observers of human brokenness. As believers, we are combatants in a very real spiritual war. John MacArthur explains it well: Paul is not simply speaking about outward enemies, but about tearing down every lofty thought, philosophy, and belief system that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. That includes false religions, godless ideologies, and the destructive lies people live by.
The young woman on the sidewalk—she isn’t just a tragic figure of urban poverty. She is a soul caught in the crossfire of spiritual warfare.
Paul offers another sobering truth:
“…when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels… [He will] inflict vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel…” – 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9
This is not a comfortable truth, but it is a necessary one. We must grieve for the lost—not with condescension, but with a fervent urgency. These aren’t just hurting people. They are eternal souls teetering on the edge of destruction. And the only rescue is the gospel.
Fighting with Gospel Armor
Evil doesn’t always arrive with horns and fire. Often, it wears a smile, whispers soft lies, and promises escape. The enemy is crafty, masquerading as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11). He prowls like a lion, looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5). And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, paralyzed by fear or despair, ask yourself: What are you really running from?
If you belong to Christ, Satan cannot claim you. He can harass, distract, and deceive—but he cannot conquer.
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” – Romans 8:1
That’s our victory cry. Our lives are not shaped by fear, but by faith. Not controlled by darkness, but covered in light.
The Daily Battle
Spiritual warfare is not a once-and-done fight. It’s daily. Relentless. And every believer is called to it.
Missionary John Broger once said:
“You are incapable in your own strength and insufficient in your own resources to overcome the wiles and temptations of Satan. Therefore, you must put on the full armor of God to be an overwhelming conqueror…”
That means the Word of God must be your sword. Truth must be your belt. Righteousness, your breastplate. Faith, your shield. Salvation, your helmet. Prayer, your lifeline. We fight on our knees, with our eyes on Christ and our hearts anchored in grace.
“We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” – 1 John 5:19
But evil doesn’t have the final word. Jesus does.
Are You Willing to Go to War?
We live in enemy-occupied territory, but our mission remains the same: to proclaim the message of the Cross.
“The word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.” – 1 Corinthians 1:18
The woman on the sidewalk may never know of our passing. But I remember her—and I carry her image as a reminder that our world is not well. It’s broken. Yet, as children of God, we do not despair. We go to war—with love, with truth, and with the gospel in hand.
“They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony…” – Revelation 12:11
Suit up, Christian. The battle is fierce, but our King is greater.
Debbie Swindell 