“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-4
For me, the focus of my month here in Uganda has been intercession. I strongly have felt the Lord prompting me to stay behind and intercede-for this nation, this city, the people my teammates are ministering to, friends, family, and anything else the Lord brings to my heart. (If you would like to read a bit more about what my teammates have been doing, please go to www.neilbruinsma.theworldrace.org).
Over the last week, I am finding intercession to be hard at times. Intercession can be spiritually and emotionally exhausting, as sometimes while interceding, I take on the feelings and emotions of whatever Im praying for. More than anything else, I believe intercession to be a spiritual battle. I am going directly to the Throne of Christ praying for things that are out of my control…often praying for things I don’t fully understand. I firmly believe God hears me…but I also am fully aware that Satan HATES the fact that I am able to communicate directly with my Heavenly Father, my Prince. Therefore, I am realizing that Satan will do whatever he can to distract and discourage me. It comes in various forms-like the blaring ghetto music that begins to play shortly after I begin to intercede…a daily occurance, or the bombardment of lies and hot arrows of doubt. But I do not get discouraged. I am here to fight. My battle lies in the spiritual realm, and just like any other war, I must arm myself. So, as soon as my feet hit the floor in the morning I pray on my armour. (Ephesians 6)
“God, place the shoes on my feet that are ready to preach the gospel. Tighten the belt of truth around my waist. Sinch down the breastplate of righteousness over my chest. Buckle the helmet of salvation firmly in place over my head. Give me Your shield of faith, and Your mighty Sword-Your precious Word. Amen.”
As I fight in the spiritual realm I know and believe that God is faithful and will deliver me. 2 Timothy 4:17-18 says, “But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
He will also deliver you. If you are fighting, battling in prayer, my encouragement to you is this: DON’T STOP! Dont get discouraged! Satan WILL try and discourage you, but you have the Lord fighting with you, and you can never lose! Your prayers and mine shake the gates of Hell. Your prayers and mine are opening the gates of heaven pushing back Satan’s reign here on this earth. Keep fighting. Keep persevering. The LORD is with you.
