"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God... to stand firm" (Ephesians 6:12-13, NASB).
Returning to Spokane has lifted a burden of oppression I had not known before the past six months. I had heard that spiritual warfare seems stronger and more recognized in overseas work, but I had no idea what that looked like a year ago. As long as the prince of this world remains active in his attacks, until Jesus does come again, we must follow the instruction of putting on the Armor wherever we go in all we do. I want to share with you how He preserved me in the front of the battlefield, and how we can be praying for those brothers and sisters on duty (Romans 15:30-33).
In the first month of my time in India, I found myself in a battle for Faith against temptation to get on a plane to run away to home. It was more than I could handle alone; thankfully, I had Our Father on my side, and many of you praying fervently on my behalf. I was miserably homesick, and felt completely backed into a corner at times because of language, culture, living conditions, overwhelming poverty, lack of experience and much more. It was a daily battle to live Believing and Surrendering to the One who works all things together for Good (Romans 8:28). Our God is always at Work far beyond what we can see, and even in this He was teaching me, changing me and touching those around me. I was so blessed to be used despite of my great weaknesses, and to see His hand in every detail of the past year.
Many of you probably know India is about 80% Hindu, and less than 3% Christian. The idolatry you see every day, and the devastating results of cultural beliefs of caste and lifestyle break my heart. Even some of the staff I worked with claim to be Cs, but in fact, they still worship their own false gods. In my last week there, events took place that made their pluaralism all the more obvious. While it came a bit of a shock to me, I was more prepared to fight to the finish, seeing all the more ways I can continue to pray for His work in this nation I love and the great need for His laborers.
I challenge you all to fight for faith daily here on the home front, never ceasing to pray for those on the front-lines of battle, and should He call you to go to the front lines, please remember these words from a faithful Servant of His that loved India better than I have yet:
"We follow a stripped and crucified Savior... Dear, you are coming to a battlefield. You cannot spend too much time with Him alone." As quoted in Elizabeths Elliot's account of Amy Carmichael's life in A Chance to Die.
Secondly, if you have not already, I urge you to meditate and memorize the following verse, and any others that have encouraged you, for you will need them on the battlefield wherever you are:
"‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty." Zech 4:6b
After hearing a sermon on Romans 15:30-33 at my church, VBC, this morning, I wanted to finally complete this post. I have not begun to know the suffering Paul did for the gospel. This is why His warriors and laborers on the front lines need our prayers; many of them face battles we may not imagine or understand. I am so thankful I have had a cloud of witnesses to stand behind me and all around me over the past year. THANK YOU!
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