The Battle is Bigger Than You Can See

In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, it's easy to get caught up in what we can see and touch. We focus on the news headlines, our personal struggles, and the challenges facing our communities. But what if there's more going on than meets the eye? What if the battles we face have a deeper, spiritual dimension that we can't perceive?

This idea isn't just the stuff of science fiction movies like The Matrix. It's a profound truth revealed in the Bible, particularly in the book of Daniel. In chapter 10, we get a glimpse behind the curtain of reality, seeing that there's an unseen war raging around us – a cosmic conflict with far-reaching implications.

Relying on God's Strength

Daniel, an elderly prophet living in Babylon, had been mourning and praying for three weeks. Despite the exciting news that the Jewish people were returning to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple, Daniel was distressed. Opposition had arisen, and the work was being hindered. From what he could see and hear, things weren't going well.

But God was about to expand Daniel's world and show him a bigger picture.

As Daniel stood by the river, he suddenly saw a magnificent figure that left him trembling and weak. The description is awe-inspiring: a man clothed in linen with a gold belt, a body like beryl, a face like lightning, eyes like flaming torches, and limbs gleaming like burnished bronze. This otherworldly being, possibly a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, was so overwhelming that Daniel fell to the ground in a deep sleep.

This encounter teaches us something crucial: when faced with the true power and glory of God, our own strength fails. It's in acknowledging our weakness that we can begin to rely on His strength instead.

The Unseen Battle

But the vision doesn't end there. A messenger – possibly an angel – comes to Daniel with a startling revelation. From the very first day Daniel began to pray, God had heard him and sent this messenger. So why the three-week delay? Because the "prince of the kingdom of Persia" had opposed the messenger for 21 days until the archangel Michael came to help.

This is where things get really interesting. We're introduced to an unseen realm of spiritual forces – both good and evil – that influence earthly events. The "prince of Persia" isn't a human ruler, but a demonic power working against God's purposes. And he's not alone. The messenger speaks of future conflicts with the "prince of Greece" as well.

It's a sobering thought. Behind the rise and fall of nations, behind cultural shifts and global events, there are spiritual forces at work. As the apostle Paul would later write in Ephesians 6:12, "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."

This doesn't mean we should expect to see a demon behind every bush or become paranoid about spiritual warfare. But it does mean we need to expand our understanding of reality. The political, social, and personal challenges we face often have a spiritual component that we can't ignore.

Fear Not

So how should we respond to this expanded worldview? With fear and trembling? Not at all. The message to Daniel, and to us, is one of strength and courage.

Three times in this chapter, Daniel is strengthened – first by a touch, then by words of affirmation, and finally by the truth itself. The messenger calls him "greatly loved" and says, "Fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage." These aren't empty platitudes but powerful reminders of our position in Christ.

As believers, we're not left defenseless in this cosmic conflict. Paul urges us to "be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might" and to "put on the whole armor of God" (Ephesians 6:10-11). This spiritual armor – truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the word of God – equips us to stand firm against the schemes of the enemy.

Because here's the crucial point: we're not called to obsess over demons or try to fight spiritual battles in our own strength. Our primary mission remains the bold proclamation of the gospel. We stand firm in our faith, trusting that Jesus – who has all authority in heaven and on earth – and His angelic armies will take care of the rest.

Remember the story from 2 Kings 6, where Elisha's servant was terrified by the surrounding enemy army? Elisha prayed for his eyes to be opened, and suddenly the servant saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire – God's army protecting them. Elisha's words ring true for us today: "Don't be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them."

This expanded view of reality should fill us with confidence, not fear. Yes, there are dark spiritual forces at work in the world, but they are not equal to the power of God. Jesus has already won the decisive victory through His death and resurrection. While battles still rage, the ultimate outcome is secure.

Stand firm in your faith. Put on the armor of God. Pray fervently, knowing that your prayers can influence spiritual realities. And above all, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. He sees the full picture, He fights for you, and His victory is absolutely certain.

So, the next time you're discouraged by what you see in the news or in your personal life, remember that there's more going on than meets the eye. The battle is bigger than you can see – but so is God's power and His love for you.

This blog is based on a sermon by Pastor Derick Zeulner at South Shores Church in Dana Point, CA on Sunday, November 10, 2024.

Derick Zeulner earned his M.A. in Theology at Talbot and is currently working on his Doctor of Ministry degree. He has been involved in full-time ministry at South Shores Church since 2005. Derick and his wife, Rebecca, have four children: Hutch, Oakes, Avonlea, and Shiloh. Outside the church, Derick is an assistant coach for a local water polo club and loves watching each of his own kids surpass him in speed and skills.