Book Review: Susie Larson, Strong in Battle. Bethany House, 2022
Reviewer: Mary Lou Codman-Wilson, PhD, Pastoral Psychology, Psychological Anthropology, Christian Education, Buddhism 5 stars 6/17/25
Soundbite:
You’re not at the mercy of your trials (or your enemy); you’re in the mercies of God. (p51) . . . Say NO! In Luke 10:19, Jesus told us that He’s given us authority over all the power of the enemy. Now we need to take authority and walk in it. But it begs the question: do we have power to stop all suffering? I don’t think so. Too many people still love the darkness more than the light, and in them the enemy finds easy access to conduct his evil schemes against those God loves. But could our capacity to walk in Christ’s authority at least minimize the amount of suffering that takes place on earth? With all my heart, I believe so. I have to wonder how much we could thwart if we as God’s people took our places. . . and stood firm against the enemy’s schemes. Can we honestly say that all hands are currently on deck? I don’t think so (p. 52)
Review:
Susie Larson’s 2022 book, Strong in Battle is a very practical, thoroughly Biblical, and easily applied book on victorious spiritual warfare. I (this reviewer) have also published a similar book – Effective Spiritual Warfare through William Carey Publishers in 2022. These books would be good companion pieces for groups to study together. Mine is a bit more didactic, but I gave Larson’s book 5 stars because of her practical applications that give each chapter its structure. The opening soundbite highlights her major questions and challenges readers.
She summarizes the flow of the book thus: We won’t spend a lot of time in this book overanalyzing the enemy’s ways because I’d rather we spend that time strengthening our attachment to our perfect Father who promised to get us safely home. We’ll explore the fear of God and the profound power of a humble heart. We’ll be quicker to identify the enemy’s predictable lies so we can overcome them with the truth. We’ll sort through our fears, address our faulty mindsets, encourage our hearts, and then we’ll stand in the authority that Christ has entrusted to us.. . .I’ve noticed that the more I rehearse the ways God has come through for me in the past, the stronger my confidence grows that He will carry me through, fight for me, and make a way for me in my current battle. (p. 15). With that overview, she ends each chapter with the practical applications of her teachings that make the book so worthwhile:
· The Humble Way: ”The degree to which we allow God to deliver us from our pride, striving, self-justification and self-sufficiency will be the degree to which we walk in Christ’s all-sufficient empowering grace. (p.17)
· Discern the Fiery Arrows: “in this section we identify the lies, the harassment, and the attack the enemy is aiming at you right now. (p.18).
· Say NO: This section will address ways to stand in faith and block the flaming arrows coming our way.
· Say YES! Here we’ll get a sense of what God wants us to fight for and what He has for us up ahead. We’ll learn how to stand on God’s Word more firmly.
· Personalized prayer – in application to the teaching in that chapter
· Spiritual intelligence Training: (an example: “On the other side of every God-assigned battle is a promise. ‘Spiritual advance requires faith, and unbelief will never see beyond the difficulties. Unbelief looks at the obstacles; faith looks at God. Consider the power of a negative perspective... How have naysayers kept you from stepping out and laying hold of something God had for you?” (p.38). . “Dependence on God is everything. The abiding life is a miraculous life. Read John 15:5-8 and write it out as a personalized prayer.”(p.39). . .
· Look up the following verses and consider some of the things God has already provided for you: Ps. 103:1-5, Luke 10:19, John 10:10 Rom 8:32, 37, I Cor. 2;12, 2 Pet. 1:2 and 2 Tim. 1:7. God has already given you everything you need. Write out a paraphrased declaration about what you now possess because you are in Christ Jesus. (p.57)
With the interactive questions and answers required by each reader, Susan Larson converts the ending of each chapter of her book into a workbook applying the truths leading to spiritual growth. This makes the book a must read for every Christian seeking the victorious life in the Spirit. 5 stars
Excerpts:
Does living out our hope mean we slap on a smile while walking through incredible hardship? No. But it does mean that we dig deep, find the fortitude that God has put in us, and resolutely fix our eyes on the One who is coming for us and who promises to redeem all things. Especially in this day of battle, we must throw off every shred of apathy and passivity and engage with intentionality. . .We must believe we can be renewed day by day, live with a joy that strengthens us, shine brightly in a dark world that has lost its way, and live with a holy expectancy that heaven is real and goodness is coming. (p.28-29)
I don’t believe that Satan knows the future, but he’s had time to study us, to watch God’s work and to see God’s angelic warriors mount up on our behalf. He senses when our breakthrough is just around the corner, and he pulls out all the stops to discourage us just beforehand. Our charge, then, is to take our stand, submit to God and then resist the devil, knowing he has no choice but to flee.(p.33).
There’s a clear path of power in the center of God’s will. It’s where we gain discernment, walk in our God-assigned influence and cultivate an ever-deepening love for Jesus and for the way he walked. It’s the path of peace, power, and purity. It’s the path of boldness, courage, and strength. It’s the path of sacrificial love and mountain moving faith. (p.63)
Precious Lord, I humbly bow before you, acknowledging you as my Savior and King. You know the battles I’ve endured and the wounds I’ve incurred. Heal me, Lord! Restore my soul and make me whole! Show me what lies I’ve picked up when life let me down. Show me what’s true.
And reveal to me afresh my role in the greater kingdom story. Give me renewed faith to believe you, for greater things in the days ahead. I don’t want to shrink back in fear or fall down because I’m distracted. Awaken me to Your presence and power this hour. I’m so very honored to be an heir and a part of the coming kingdom. Help me to stay the course and keep my heart in it. In Your precious name I pray. Amen. (p.36-37)