We are in a Spiritual War
For 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.
Ephesians 6:12
Satan is fighting to destroy God’s people all over the world. He uses his demons to influence people to do his evil work, to control governments to do his evil will, and to incite people against Christianity. Satan’s goal is to destroy the church and to rule the world. Today, there is an all out attack against the Lord’s people throughout the world. How do we fight these demonic forces?
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. (Ephesians 6:18) We pray for all the Lord’s people, not just for those in our local congregation, but for all the Lord’s people. Most Christians cannot travel the world to minister, but we can all pray for the Lord to bless and strengthen Christians, especially those living in countries where Christians are targets for persecution.
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4 ESV) We are called to pray for kings and all who are in high places. If the king and those in high places are evil then the country will become evil just like the days when Israel had kings that didn’t walk with God and the Israelites followed the King’s sinful ways. We need to pray for government leaders everywhere regardless of what they believe.
If we want our prayers answered it’s important that we be as specific as we can. We are ambassadors for Christ and we report to our Lord in prayer about the specifics we know about in this world. In Matthew 20:31-32 (NKJV), a blind man said to Jesus, Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David! Then Jesus said What do you want Me to do for you? Jesus knew the man was blind but asked him what he wanted Jesus to do for him. This, and other examples, show that Jesus likes our prayers to be specific which shows our effort in seeking to understand the needs of people or situations we are praying for. We can pray in generalities but does that show our concern and effort to understand?
For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers. (Proverbs 11:14) We fight this spiritual battle by praying in specifics with heart for God’s people everywhere. We also spread the truth to fight Satan’s lies in anyway the Lord directs us. If we don’t ask or seek, virtually nothing happens. Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. (Matthew 7:7-8)
Today fight the spiritual battle through prayer and through giving God’s truth whenever possible. Seek honest sources of information of what is happening to Christians in your home country and in other countries. Be careful where you get your information from because many popular news sources don’t bring the truth.
Prayer: Lord, help me to fight this spiritual battle and help me find the truth of what’s happening to God’s people in this world so I can come to you with specifics in my prayers. In Jesus’ name, Amen