Constantly blowing up my phone, there is a wonderful group message full of sixty people ages 18 to 22 who are just as crazy in love with Jesus as they are completely crazy. Sixty your guys and girls who are so extremely excited to be launching together into this next chapter of their lives for the Lord. Every day, we laugh together through text messages, pray for each other, love each other and communicate like siblings. Since we all live in different time zones, someone is ALWAYS awake to talk to, from prayer requests to prom dresses. We’re all already related, and most of us haven’t even met, and won’t until the long week we’ll share in August, known as training camp.
Now why, you may ask, am I telling you these details about my squadmates?
Because as perfect as a year abroad may sound- “away from work, and school, and responsibility” as many have claimed we’re doing- it is an incredible amount of mental, spiritual, emotional and physical work.
Most trying of these- Spiritual.
Today thanks to one girl in particular, (Shoutout to my girl Kelsey!!!!!!!!!!!!) as a group, we discovered something. As our team of proud Jesus freaks prepares for the adventure of our lives, the devil is hard at work.
He hates us.
Satan is so threatened by our strong family bond, our faith, and what we are doing and going to do. He wants us to fear, and doubt. He threatens us with confusion. He wants us to fail.
As we had this discussion this morning, I began to realize all of the spiritual warfare happening around me. Not only was my team being threatened, but my friends and family- Satan is everywhere, lurking, and searching for the perfect time to ruin us.
But that’s where the encouragement of that amazing squad comes in. Together, we have made it known that the devil is not going to win!
“Although the enemy is not a weak enemy, our God is POWERFUL and MIGHTY and ALL-KNOWING!” The God who moves mountains just wants our hearts and our trust in Him!”
Spiritual warfare is all around us, whether you are a missionary, aspiring to be one, or not at all. However, despite the heavy weights of this fear and chaos that we all feel, it is important to remember that our Lord is there to pick us up when we fall, and fight right next to us when the devil is closing in!
My prayer for you is that if you are experiencing any form of spiritual warfare, please reach out to me! My squad and I would love to be praying for you! I also ask that you pray for my team and I as we continue, faithfully, peacefully, in preparation for our trip!
Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” – John 20:21
The Lord is sending this group of people to do amazing things in His name, and we are beyond excited to do so!
Thank you so much for your continued love and support! I ask that each of you (yes, YOU!) reading this goes to the left-hand side and subscribes!!! By putting your email or phone number in, you will be subscribed and automatically notified (via email or text) any time I post a new blog!
** This will continue while I am on the missions field as well, so you will be able to read about all the experiences my team and I are having, and the stories we share along the way!!!! **
(There are also some other really cool people on my team who have some really awesome blogs and stories! Contact me if you’re interested in learning more about the people I’ll be traveling the world with, and I’d be glad to send you their links!)
Much love and God Bless!
xoxo,
Hayds
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 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. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” – Ephesians 10-13
