by Jon Konnerup
Do you believe in spiritual warfare? The Evil One is working overtime in the battle for the souls of mankind around the world. Ephesians 6 exposes the key players in Satan’s battle plan. These verses talk about “principalities,” which seem to indicate demons of highest rank — Satan’s inner circle, if you will. The passage also speaks of “powers,” which may refer to spiritual authorities operating behind the scenes around the world to keep people in darkness — without the light of Christ. God then mentions “rulers of the darkness of this world.” Many believe this refers to demons involved in the political, entertainment, educational, and religious aspects of our world. “Spiritual wickedness” refers to demons that work directly with humans, possessing the unsaved and attempting to oppress believers.
Acknowledging this spiritual warfare, we must realize we also have a part in fighting the principalities, powers, and rulers of the darkness of this world.
Knowing the Almighty Savior is on our side, I urge you to join me this New Year in standing behind our missionaries as they face the enemy on the front lines. In many places, they are the only light shining. The Enemy is not happy; our missionaries are on his territory and he will do all he can to cause discouragement and despair in order to send them home broken, defeated, and useless. Join me in praying daily for all the missionaries of the BBFI.
1. For more missionaries. Are we praying to the Lord of the Harvest, pleading for more missionaries?
2. Government entry and work permits. Foreign governments are increasingly hesitant to grant work permits to missionaries. Pray for God to touch the leaders’ hearts and soften their stances.
3. New churches and leadership training. We must continue to provide training for national leaders and encourage them to pass along to others what they have been taught.
4. Financial support. Since we expect missionaries to go by faith, let’s support them by faith. This may mean we have to make sacrifices. Are you ready to do your part?
5. Pray persistently for missionaries every day.
- Sunday: Their ministries (evangelism, discipleship, and church planting)
- Monday: Their relationship to God and family
- Tuesday: Victory over and protection from Satan
- Wednesday: Their emotional life away from home and family
- Thursday: Physical needs (health, safety, and financial support)
- Friday: Their country’s stability
- Saturday: Their ability to learn the language and a new culture
Yes, there truly is power in prayer!