As Christian parents and guardians, one of our greatest responsibilities is to prepare our children for the challenges they will face in life. While we often focus on their education, character development, and physical well-being, it is equally important to equip them for the spiritual battle that awaits them. Understanding that spiritual battles are real and actively preparing our children to stay strong can help them navigate life with discernment, strength, and unwavering faith. Not understanding that some problems are spiritual attacks can steal their hope and cripple their faith or it can lead them into sin, pride, or a secular lifestyle.

Today’s world is steeped in demonic ideologies whose growth is being aided by the pressure to conform to avoid being attacked by the woke mob. Things are not going to get easier for the next generation of believers. We must diligently teach them how to stay strong in the battle. By giving your children an awareness of the supernatural battles you will also help them be less judgmental of others because they will understand that everyone is at risk in this battle. It’s not ‘us against them’; it’s the devil against all of us! Yes, there are evil people in the world, but the real enemy is the supernatural one working behind the scenes. Teach them to pray for people who hurt them. When Christians are united in prayer, God fights for us!

Children need to learn that what looks like random ‘trouble’ in life can sometimes be a spiritual battle. Sometimes we bring trouble on ourselves by sin, and sometimes the Devil attacks when we are doing nothing wrong. In either case, we need to turn to God and our spiritual weapons of prayer, faith, the Word of God, Christian fellowship, and discernment. Spiritual attacks can look like health problems, financial problems, relationship troubles, work troubles, and so on. However, not every problem is a spiritual battle. The important thing is to always seek the Lord always.

When trouble strikes, we should immediately pray for wisdom and also ask ourselves if there is anything we need to do or stop doing. Unconfessed sin removes God’s protection. Sometimes when we confess our sins, God will work quickly to help us with our problems. The closer our relationship with God, the better our ability to recognize sin in our lives. But there will be times when God is working in our lives through a trial and endurance and patience is what God wants from us. Our children need to learn from our example that faith is an action, not a feeling.

It’s essential that children do not get the false idea that the Christian life will be free from pain or problems ‘as long as we obey the rules’. We live in a fallen world where good people get sick, die, and hurt us, sometimes very unexpectedly. As parents we should not hide the truth from them. Instead, we give them tools to cope with difficult emotions and situations. Children need to know that when we that trust God is in control, we can be at peace even when we feel sad or hurt or uncertain about the future. Let your children see you trusting God in times of trouble. Having a strong understanding of God’s amazing grace will help us through the hard time.

Preparing your children

1. Recognizing the Existence of Spiritual Battles: A crucial first step in preparing our children is helping them understand that there is a supernatural world and that Satan and his angels are in rebellion against God. Satan is working hard to convince the world that there is no such thing as evil, but the Bible clearly teaches that there are unseen forces of evil at work in the world. By teaching our children about the presence of evil and its tactics, we cultivate their awareness and discernment.
2. Building a Solid Foundation: To prepare children for the spiritual battle, we must establish a strong foundation of faith in their lives. This involves nurturing their relationship with God, teaching them His Word, and encouraging regular prayer and worship. By instilling biblical truths and values, we equip them with a compass to navigate the complexities of life. When teaching the Bible, avoid calling it Bible ‘stories’. Emphasize that God is real. Point out how different people in the Bible were involved in spiritual battles.
3. Developing Spiritual Discernment: In a world filled with diverse beliefs and ideologies, teaching our children to discern truth from falsehood is crucial. By helping them understand the principles of God’s Word, they can recognize deception and make wise choices. By doing so you will prepare them when they are called to defend their faith as well as understand exactly what the Bible actually says. A vague understanding of ‘God’ is not enough. Encourage open discussions, answer their questions, and guide them in developing a biblical worldview.
4. Cultivating Vigilance and Preparedness: Preparation for the spiritual battle includes teaching our children to be spiritually vigilant and prepared. Just as soldiers put on their armor, we must equip our children with the spiritual armor described in Ephesians 6:10-18. Teach them the importance of truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, the Word of God, patience, perseverance and prayer as powerful weapons against the enemy. Make prayer and Bible study a normal part of life.
5. Nurturing a Vibrant Prayer Life: Prayer is a vital aspect of preparing our children for the spiritual battle. Teach them the significance of regular prayer, both individually and with the family. Encourage them to bring their concerns, fears, and struggles to God, seeking His guidance and protection. Teach them to pray for others as well, interceding for family, friends, and even those who oppose them.
6. Encouraging Fellowship and Support: Our children need a supportive community to help them grow in their faith and face spiritual challenges. Encourage their involvement in a local church, youth group, or Christian organizations where they can build relationships with peers who share their faith. Provide opportunities for mentorship and discipleship, where they can learn from mature believers and gain wisdom.
7. Emphasizing Hope and Trust in God: Above all, teach our children the hope and assurance that comes from trusting in God. Help them understand that although the battle may be fierce, ultimate victory belongs to the Lord. Instill in them the confidence that God is with them, guiding and protecting them through every trial they encounter. Help children understand that Satan uses people to fight his battles so when someone hurts them, they can look past the individual to the evil force behind it.

When teaching our children about the reality of evil, it’s important to strike a balance between providing necessary understanding and avoiding unnecessarily frightening language by using age-appropriate information. We can emphasize that although evil exists, God is ultimately in control and offers protection and guidance. We can teach them that God’s love and power are greater than any evil force. By focusing on the strength and hope found in our faith, we help our children develop a resilient and confident perspective, knowing that they have the tools to overcome challenges and make a positive impact in the world. Remember that children learn much easier by watching how we live than by listening to lectures.

Preparing our children for the spiritual battle is a lifelong endeavor. By imparting biblical knowledge, fostering spiritual discernment, and encouraging a vibrant relationship with God, we equip them to face the challenges of life with strength and unwavering faith. As we guide them in recognizing the reality of a spiritual battle, we empower them to be active participants in God’s redemptive plan and to live as beacons of light in a world that desperately needs it. Let us commit ourselves to prepare the next generation for the spiritual battle they will face, raising up a generation of spiritually strong and courageous believers.

The following is one of my favorite scenes from the Bible. When I am afraid or unsure, I like to imagine that I am surrounded by God’s angels, because I know that I am!

2 Kings 6:15-17 (NIV): “When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. ‘Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?’ the servant asked. ‘Don’t be afraid,’ the prophet answered. ‘Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ And Elisha prayed, ‘Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.’ Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”