When we think of words like battle and occupy, we frequently think of faraway lands and moments in the past. Rarely do we suspect we are living in a battlefield.

We all know spiritual warfare isn't waged in the physical realm. But we don't often talk about what it is specifically. And for that reason, I don't know if anyone actually uses the Word to defeat the lie or if it's something remembered in the after-action report.

The first time I actually used the Word to defeat the lie was very surprising. I was adjusting to a new role in my life and finally meeting my own vaulted standard of housekeeping. I sat down for seven seconds to consider my next task and all of sudden, a very specific situation from my days as a non-Christian popped into my brain. My body reacted before my brain caught up to what was happening. I began to feel ashamed about my reaction, played scenarios of how it

could have been so much better if I'd had Christ. In my physical body, my muscles tensed, my stomach churned, and my mouth went dry.

I really didn't understand what was happening. I was doing well that day: good quiet time that morning, supporting my family, prioritizing my work at home. In my mind all day had been various worship songs and memories of things God had told me personally. So why am I instantly transported to a time when I made a wrong decision.

When my brain finally caught up to my body, it said, "wait a minute! I've already been forgiven for this." Then "sane" Mel reached for the Father and prayed just in case I forgot this one incident, "please forgive me. I know you are faithful to forgive if I ask, so Lord please forgive me." And then it was gone - as suddenly and surprisingly as it came on.

The point of introducing you to "crazy" Mel is to point out that not all spiritual warfare is easy to spot. Not everything is malicious and overt. Sometimes it's just a stupid memory of a time when you didn't know Jesus.

To occupy this land is as complex an issue as the entire Word of God. We know there are levels and insights that are yet unknown. It is the same with occupying the land.