This Present Darkness

We both drip with sweat as we sit inside her little room on a hot day with no breeze and we pray. We pray in English and in Karamojong, and we pray hard. We pray against those who curse us, because they are now many. We know that we have enemies in Masese now, and we know we have made the evil one upset. We know we are fighting, and joyfully we know we have the victory in Christ! We know that if God is for us, who can be against us? Our fear is lessened as we continue in prayer.

This is the reality of things here. We're frightened because we know we're dealing with the spiritual realm and warfare that we cannot see, but we rejoice because we can stand together and know that if he is unhappy, that means the Kingdom is advancing. And oh, friends! The Kingdom is advancing in Masese! My friends and I are so excited for what He's doing there -- things seen and unseen.

A spirit of fear has gripped my heart this week as we battle against the rules, authorities, cosmic powers over this present darkness, and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12). But oh, praise Him, we're able to take up the armor of God!

"Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance..." (Eph 6:13-18). 

I hesitate to say these things, because I've always secretly doubted those that claim to battle in spiritual warfare. In a prayer asking God to reveal more of Himself to me, He has answered by letting me see more of the spiritual realm -- a prayer that I quickly retracted in fear! But I have seen Him in this: His goodness and grace, His angels that fight for me, and His peace that transcends all understanding. I know He is here, and I know this is His battle that He has already won. I can stand secure in that assurance.

Would you pray?

• That the evil one would have no power through fear in my life or the lives of my friends in Masese
• That we would stand in the armor of God daily, ready for battle at all times
• That God would give us boldness to continue the work that He has called us to (Acts 4:23-31)
• That Masese would see the Lord