Warfare: The Price of Doing God’s Business

Spiritual warfare is not optional—it’s the price of doing business in the Kingdom of God. If you’re not engaged in battle, you’re likely not advancing God’s agenda. This reality struck me as I was reading Glory Invasion by David Herzog, where he discusses the spiritual weight of being a voice to world leaders. Herzog points out that when God calls you to influence people in leadership, you’re not just dealing with them—you’re contending with the principalities that govern them.

Warfare Comes with Territory

Many Christians shy away from warfare, preferring to focus on church growth, conferences, and personal blessings. But the truth is, warfare is necessary. When you step into your calling, opposition comes because Satan recognizes the threat you pose to his agenda. God’s purpose is inherently anti-darkness, anti-evil, and anti-Satan. The enemy will do everything possible to resist those advancing the Kingdom.

Jesus Himself did not avoid conflict. He confronted demonic powers, religious corruption, and the oppressive systems of His day. He knew that the cross was the price of fulfilling His mission. Likewise, if we are truly about our Father’s business, we must be willing to embrace the struggles that come with it.

No Warfare, No Progress

If there is no warfare, there is no progress. And if there is no progress, the agenda of God is not being advanced. When God’s will is not established in a region, that territory remains under the control of darkness. Too often, believers withdraw into their own communities, enjoying church gatherings while the world around them groans for the manifestation of the sons of God (Romans 8:19).

Revival doesn’t happen in the comfort of isolation; it happens in the heat of battle. The early church grew not in seasons of peace, but in times of great persecution. Paul’s ministry was marked by suffering, imprisonment, and opposition—yet he kept pressing forward because he knew that the battle was necessary for the advancement of the Gospel.

The Unfinished Bridge: An Illustration of Warfare

Imagine a construction crew assigned to build a massive bridge over a deep canyon. The bridge is meant to connect two cities, allowing people to travel freely and bringing life, commerce, and opportunity to both sides. The project starts well—engineers lay out plans, workers pour the foundation, and the structure begins to rise.

But suddenly, resistance comes. Opposing forces—whether rival contractors, corrupt officials, or even environmental activists—begin to challenge the work. Some claim the bridge is unnecessary; others file legal complaints to stop construction. Even nature itself seems to resist, with storms threatening to wash away progress.

Some workers, frustrated by the setbacks, quit. Others grow weary and begin questioning if the bridge is even worth it. A few suggest that they should abandon the project altogether and just build a small, private path for themselves instead of the full-scale bridge that was originally intended.

However, the lead engineer—fully aware of the resistance—rallies the workers. He reminds them why they started: this bridge is not just a project; it’s a mission. Without it, people remain isolated. Commerce remains stagnant. Lives remain disconnected. The fight to complete the bridge isn’t just about construction—it’s about transformation.

Slowly but surely, through perseverance, the bridge is finished. The opposition that once seemed overwhelming fades in the face of persistence. The people finally cross, and the cities are forever changed.

The Connection to Spiritual Warfare

In the same way, when God calls you to build something—whether it’s a ministry, a revival movement, or simply to influence those in power—opposition will come. The enemy will throw everything in his arsenal at you, trying to make you stop. Some will abandon the mission, discouraged by the resistance. Others will settle for something smaller, afraid to push forward.

But those who persevere, who recognize that warfare is part of the process, will see the bridge completed. They will watch as entire regions shift, as spiritual atmospheres change, and as people walk into the freedom God intended for them.

The battle isn’t proof that you’re in the wrong place—it’s proof that you’re building something that matters.

Embracing the Cost

Jesus made it clear that following Him would come at a cost (Luke 9:23-24). He carried His cross, and we are called to do the same. The problem is that many believers want the rewards of the Kingdom without the battles that secure them. But God’s business demands full surrender, complete obedience, and the willingness to endure hardship.

Instead of fearing warfare, we should see it as confirmation that we are on the right path. The enemy doesn’t attack those who are no threat to his kingdom. So when resistance comes, it’s not a sign to retreat—it’s a sign to push forward.

The warfare is necessary. It strengthens us, refines us, and prepares us for greater authority. It ensures that we do not just talk about revival, but actually bring it. If we truly want to see transformation in our cities, regions, and nations, we must be willing to engage in the spiritual battles required to shift atmospheres and tear down demonic strongholds.

Conclusion: The Cost of Kingdom Business

Just as Jesus gave His life for the mission set before Him, we must be willing to lay down everything for the cross He has assigned to us. The price of doing God’s business is high, but the reward is eternal. The Kingdom of God suffers violence, and the violent take it by force (Matthew 11:12).

If you’re experiencing warfare, don’t be discouraged—be encouraged. You’re on the frontlines of something bigger than yourself. Keep pressing, keep praying, and keep fighting. The battle is proof that you’re carrying something worth contending for.