Spiritual Wrestling

"We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."


I really don't spend much time thinking about powers of darkness, or spiritual forces of evil unless I am watching Lord of the Rings! I mostly live out my day doing what I believe needs to get done, and on a good day I'll spend a chunk of it talking to God and reading my Bible. But when I come to verses like this one in Ephesians, I am compelled to ask myself if I believe it. Do I truly believe that my work in ministry is not against the doubts of people, or the hardness of hearts, or the secular culture, or sin focused media. But the struggle is really against demonic powers, rulers and authorities? I'm afraid my answer is too often, "No."

Three weeks ago, Megan and I started up another Christianity Explored class. This time with 6 guys from the City Mission. I was very excited to see 6 Mission guys on fire about Christianity and learning more about Jesus. However our first week we were already missing 2 guys. My friend Wade gave a strong encouragement, and warning for them to put this day and time first in their weekly routines. It is very important, and now that they have shown interest in turning away from drugs, alcohol, and violence to seek God, Satan will do everything in his power to stop them. I was amazed at how fast Satan acted! That same week, one of the guys got in a fight and was kicked out of his housing. He called me the next week to drop out of Christianity Explored. Another gent was tossed into prison, while still another turned back to drugs and was strung out all week. We are 3 weeks in and only 1/2 the guys are showing up. So far C.E. has been competing with family, drugs, football, clubs, and only God knows what else.

Still, for the 3 guys who show up consistently, I am proud and encouraged. They are seeking fast after God and I know He has a firm hold of them. This past week we read Mark 4 and the Parable of the Sower. It is interesting to actually witness first hand some of these things happening to the excitement of these guys. A few guys were picked off the road before they even set foot in the class or church. Another has fallen away quickly due to no firm root. I am sure there will be others who leave what God has to offer due to what the world has. But I am holding out for that last seed. My prayer is that the word of God finds ready soil in the hearts of these 3 remaining guys, and that they in turn, produce a harvest 30, 60, even 100 times!

Please join me in this prayer, and pray that God saves the others who are struggling to find their way. This struggle of theirs is not easy, it is dark, cold, lonely and terrifying. Indeed it is one against evil darkness. Glory to God for He has overcome evil and brought His own LIGHT!
Amen