Why is this man so angry with me? I wondered. He had just pulled in and parked head-to-head with me at the grocery store. Now he was pointing his finger, scowling, and shouting—though I couldn’t hear a word. My windows were rolled up. I shifted into reverse, backed out of my space, and drove away. A glance in the rearview mirror told me the rest of the story: he stood in the space I’d just vacated, both arms raised in exasperation that I wasn’t there to receive his tirade.

"Thank You, Jesus. Thank You, Jesus," I repeated over and over as I left the parking lot. I knew He had protected me. My mind raced as I gripped the steering wheel. Did the man want the parking space I got, and I didn’t know it? Did he think I was someone else?

But as I got further away, something in my spirit reminded me: This battle isn’t with the guy in the parking lot. It’s beyond our physical world. The Bible says that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12 NASB) With that helpful perspective, I stopped trying to solve the mystery. I didn’t need to know why he was angry—only that I was protected. I later finished my errand at a different grocery store.

That night, I couldn’t stop thinking about how real spiritual warfare is. I realized my faith in Jesus Christ had protected and guided me. Years ago, I might have frozen in fear. But now, trusting that Jesus is always with me gives me the peace of mind to respond differently. Jesus told His disciples,

“These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Faith helps us grab hold of the peace Jesus offers—like the shield Paul describes in the armor of God. It’s essential in our daily battle with the enemy:

In addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. (Ephesians 6:16)

If that parking lot man had a flaming arrow, I think he would’ve launched it right at me. In a way, he did—unknowingly used by the enemy, who seeks to destroy us both (see John 10:10). But my faith shielded me. The arrow bounced off as I drove away, and God’s Spirit helped me see the battle for what it truly was. I am thankful for the power of faith in Jesus Christ that protects and guides me.

Lord, help us all to remember who our enemy truly is—and how powerful we are in You when we put on the full armor of God: truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and Your precious Word as a sword. When we are prepared, we will walk in victory. Help us grow strong in our faith in You, Lord—and help us walk in Your peace.

~

Scripture is quoted from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.