Spiritual Warfare (an interview with James and Desiree Westbrook)

Author: North American Mission Board
Published: Mon 02 Oct 2023
Episode Link: https://www.namb.net/podcasts/ministry-wives-podcast/spiritual-warfare-an-interview-with-james-and-desiree-westbrook/

The enemy hates any ministry that seeks to increase the kingdom of God. How do we recognize when we are in spiritual warfare, and how do we practically fight against it? James and Desiree Westbrook, planters of The Realm Church in Oakland, California experience immense spiritual warfare every day. They share with us how they battle warfare with Christ’s love, truth, and a right perspective, remaining dedicated to preaching the gospel no matter how the enemy attacks.

SHOW NOTES

Spiritual warfare is anything designed by the enemy that seeks to derail, discourage, or destroy.

Shift your perspective past what’s directly in front of you. There is a correlation between suffering and greatness in the kingdom of God.

Fight warfare by gathering to pray, filling your mind with encouraging spiritual content, and intentionally taking time to rest.

QUOTES

“We have to be reminded that there is a correlation between suffering and service that leads to greatness in the kingdom of God. So when we are going through seasons where it’s difficult, the temptation is to say it’s because of this physical thing or that physical thing. But really, there’s something behind it and a right perspective tells us to expect suffering if we’re going to be considered great in the kingdom.”

-James Westbrook

“Be ready. The enemy wants nothing more than to divide and conquer, to bring about discouragement. Look at all the readiness language in Ephesians 6, ‘be on guard, be alert, be ready.’ Paul uses all this language because he wants you to be ready for what will come. Not if it comes, it will come.”

-James Westbrook