Everything bad that happens is spiritual warfare.

There are two statements from 'Lies Young Women Believe.' that I will copy here which will counteract lie number five.

The first- 'Many bad things that happen are brought on by our own choices.' For example, I read in the book that when entering college you are presented by credit card companies all this cool free stuff along with making an account with them. After a few years, because of your decision to buy things you can't afford, the debts are looming. This is not Satan zapping us with evil dust! If I choose to not apologize to my mom because it's not a 'big deal' and then I get in even more trouble later I can't blame my parents. I brought strife upon myself! I am my own enemy.

The second- 'Sometimes the bad things that happen are brought on by the influence of the fallen world in which we live.' There are three sources we have to battle. Satan, our own flesh, and the world around us. Satan is directly attacking when we experience unusually fearful thoughts, intense temptation, and making us feel like dirt before we show a good example for God. Satan doesn't want us to spread the word of Jesus's love and he will do anything to get us to doubt ourselves and God.

Our flesh is evil in every way. We are like everyone else except we have the Holy Spirit whisper into our ear. I cannot trust myself and to do so would be total folly. We shouldn't leave choices up to our own desires!

As for the world we live in....well I can't even drive down the road without seeing a sick billboard! All three of these things are tied together but to throw our hands up and say it's all 'spiritual warfare' as if we didn't do anything is wrong.

We have a personal responsibility. If I am subjected to evil God will ALWAYS give a way out.
It's taking that 'way' or traveling the easier path that is the real choice not whose fault it is.
In most cases I have found that my own pride and selfishness causes the turmoil I so easily blame on others.

Faith Mae