Faith in the Dark: A Companion to Drawn in the Dark
Chapter 1 — What Is Spiritual Warfare?
Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against… the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
This week, Drawn in the Dark opened its pages into one of Carter’s nightmares—a common occurrence throughout the story. He finds himself in his grandmother’s house, but it doesn’t feel as warm or welcoming as usual. Instead, he’s paralyzed with fear as he faces what appears to be a ghost inhabiting her space. Before it reaches him, he wakes with a start, tears still on his cheeks.
Has that ever happened to you—a dream or nightmare that felt so real you woke up thinking it was? It takes a moment to realize it was only a dream. But then questions might start to swirl: Why would I dream that? What does it mean?
Nightmares can happen for many reasons—watching a scary movie before bed, feeling anxious about an upcoming test, or replaying something that upset you during the day. Drawn in the Dark blends some of those ordinary fears with something deeper—what the Bible calls spiritual warfare.
You may have heard your parents, friends, or pastor mention it before. When I hear the words, I imagine a battle happening in a realm I can’t see. While that may be true, we don’t fight with swords or fists like the angels might. Our weapons are different—the Armor of God.
I’m bouncing in my seat just thinking about it! But let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves. Spiritual warfare is a battle between good and evil—sometimes seen as a battle between angels and demons—and often in ways we cannot see. Our spirits can feel that struggle, and once in a while, we get pulled into it. That’s when choosing to trust God and stand firm in His truth becomes so important!
(Quick note: Not every bad thing that happens is spiritual warfare. Sometimes we just have rough days!)
When it feels like the odds are stacked against you—trying to make it to church, choosing to listen to your parents, or, like Carter, facing nightmares—remember you’re not alone. Talk with a parent or another trusted adult about how they face those battles. You might be surprised how much you can learn from their stories.
It can be a sensitive topic, so always be respectful and ready to listen.
So why write a book about it for kids? Because kids and teens aren’t immune to it. Being young doesn’t make you invisible in the fight—it makes you important. Your faith matters, and your prayers are powerful. Your parents or guardians may be fighting for you in ways you don’t even realize, but one day it will be your turn to stand firm—whether your battle looks like fear, anxiety, temptation, or nightmares.
We want you to be ready.
So what do you think, prayer warriors?
Are you ready to light the dark?
Psalm 56:3 (NIV)
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.”
🕯️ Think About It
Ephesians 6:12 says our battles aren’t against people but against things we can’t see. What do you think that means?
How can knowing that change the way you handle fear or frustration?
Psalm 56:3 says, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” What are some ways you can show that trust this week?
Have you ever felt like God gave you peace when you were scared? What happened?
🌙 Week 1 Challenge — Night vs. Light Journal Challenge
Grab a notebook or a sheet of paper and fold it in half.
Label one side Night and the other Light.
Under Night, write down a few things that make you feel afraid, worried, or unsure—just like Carter did in his nightmare.
Under Light, write moments when you’ve seen God’s peace or protection, even in small ways. (It might be a kind word from someone, a verse that encouraged you, or a time you felt calm again after being scared.)
Read John 1:5 or Psalm 56:3. Circle one truth from those verses that helps you remember that the light always wins.
✨ Takeaway: Even when life feels dark, God’s light still shines. Look for it this week—and write it down when you find it.
One of the worst things about dreams is when I spend a day in trouble for something I did in someone else's dream. 😆