"You armed me with strength for the battle (Ps 18:39)." We have learned in our work of ministry for nearly 40 years the enemy will attack when we start to "tear down the strongholds of the devil." Sometimes the attack is subtle, sometime vicious. But the "battle belongs to the Lord."
Many US Christians do not get this. Why? Because we have ceased to engage in spiritual warfare by so compromising the gospel that it has no power to transform or by simply failing to take on the bastions of evil in culture or individuals or even our own lives. So we wander blissfully from Sunday to Sunday unmolested by the devil. Why does he not fight against us? Because we have already surrendered. This is one of the reasons church fights are usually about insignificant things. I have seen so called Cristian church leaders almost come to blows over the color of the carpet, the placement of the pulpit, the change in the bulletin, the mural on the wall of the nursery, the setting for the thermostat, the layout of the parking lot, the contract for the insurance, and the list is interinable. This is not spiritual warefare. This is just bickering in the family.
War is war! Bunker Buster Booms dropped into the middle of our lives and ministries make it clear this is not just a family squabble. An enemy has attacked and seeks to destroy us, our lives, our marriages, our children, or effectiveness, our witness and our ministries. The Bible speaks of this as the "shipwreck of faith."
We learned many years ago when we were about to embark on a new ministry that would transform lives through the power of the Gospel, we better get ready. Satan would turn from the pussy cat of most mainline church theology and practice, into the roaring lion seeking to devour us. Invariably the attack would come, and usually from the least likely source, but always at the most vulnerable place. We have literally been knocked off our feet from time to time with the spiritual or physical or emotional breath knocked out of us. But God has been faithful: "Greater is he that is within you than he that is in the world."
We have especially seen this vividly demonstrated in Venezuela. Sometimes it has been so obvious and other times so subtle, yet it has been clear the devil does not want us working there. He has the country and he wants to keep it. We claim it for Christ and the pastors we are training are reaching it for Christ. People's lives are being transformed. Homes are being healed. Marriages are taking place (instead of just procreation). Churches are being planted. Unbelievers are becoming Christ-followers. Addictions are being broken. Idolatry is being shattered. Children are being fed and taught the love of Jesus. Young people are stepping into leadership in the church in remarkable ways. God is raising up a group of mature leaders for the national church. The mission of Jesus Christ is advancing as they/we Make Disciples. And ol' Slew foot does not like it.
Well, he may bruise the foot of the Body of Christ, but we will bruise his head! The battle belongs to the Lord.
That is why Paul is so clear that we have to be prepared for WAR! "Put on the whole armor of God..." This is not an admonition to arm ourselves for the next church squabble about insignificant things. This is the warning, the gracious warning that if we are going to be serious in our pursuit of Christ, his holiness, his mission and his call upon our lives we better be prepared - not for an election, not for a committee, not for a minor setback, but for WAR!
So whether your battle today is one in ministry or personal relationships or physical or emotional, know the Lord God Jehovah reigns! As Jesus, said, "Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." It is true. I've seen it. I am looking for that display of overcoming power in Venezuela and in the lives of those I love. I know I will see it.
This morning I'm suited up ready and armed for the battle. How how I prepared? Listen to Paul:
Ephesians 6: 10"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up
I would add to that what Paul next said: " 19Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should." (NIV)
