One of my favourite films of all time is Braveheart. It tells the story of William Wallace, a courageous and fearless leader who fought for the freedom and independence of his people in Scotland. But Wallace wasn’t always a warrior. At first, he wanted nothing to do with the fighting around him. He longed for a quiet life, farming the land and starting a family.
But the conflict he tried to avoid eventually came to his doorstep. When his wife is brutally murdered, everything changes. Wallace realises that neutrality is no longer an option. His enemy is indifferent to his desire for peace. His enemy wants his allegiance, his land, and his freedom.
That picture is a sobering reminder to every Christian that we are in a spiritual battle. It’s a war we may be able to ignore for a time but eventually, it shows up at our doorstep. Paul calls it the day of evil in Ephesians 6.13. The “day of evil” is when all hell breaks loose on you. The attacks seem to come out of nowhere and it's just one thing after another. The opening chapters of Job’s life give us a vivid picture of what this can look like (Job 1-2).
In these seasons of heightened spiritual opposition, you may experience an unusual sense of physical and emotional exhaustion that’s hard to explain. Illness may arise unexpectedly without clear medical answers. Anxieties can begin to build, accompanied by a persistent fear about the future. Old habits and past sins resurface with renewed strength, and temptations that once felt manageable now feel overwhelming. Even relationships that were once steady can become strained by unexpected tension and conflict.
This is what the “day of evil” can feel like. All of these could be signs that the enemy is bringing the fight to your doorstep.
But recognising the battle is half the fight. The question then becomes: how do we stand and fight back?
Paul tells us to put on the full armour of God to stand firm against the devil’s schemes (Ephesians 6.10–11). God has not left us defenceless - he has given us weapons to fight with. He gives us his Word, the sword of the Spirit, which cuts through the lies of the enemy (v.17). He calls us to prayer, where we receive power through the Spirit (v.18). And He gives us community, so that we do not fight alone but are strengthened, encouraged, and upheld by one another in the battle (Ephesians 6.18; Ecclesiastes 4.12; Hebrews 3.13).
Like Wallace, we may long for a quiet life, untouched by the reality of spiritual warfare. Yet, Jesus reminds us that “in this world you will have trouble” (John 16.33). He Himself was not exempt from that reality. He was tempted by Satan, endured the weight of anxiety in Gethsemane, and experienced the pain of betrayal by His closest friends. Jesus knows what it is to stand on the front line.
And yet, in that same passage, He calls us to “take heart”, to be courageous. Why? Because He has overcome the world (John 16.33). Through the cross and resurrection, Jesus has disarmed the powers of Satan (Colossians 2.15).
So when the “day of evil” comes, and it will, don’t panic, don’t retreat and don’t give in to despair. Stand firm in the Lord and in His mighty power, for He has won the victory!
