The country I am currently in predominantly practices Buddhism. One of the main beliefs is reincarnation (the philosophical or religious concept that the soul or spirit, after biological death, can begin a new life in a new body). Animism plays a huge roll in their beliefs as well. Animism is the belief that all things have a spirit or soul, including animals. Each being is considered a spirit that can offer help or harm to humans. These spirits must either be worshiped or appeased. Animists offer sacrifices, prayers, dances, or other forms of devotions to these spirits in hopes of blessing upon areas of life or for protection from harm. Almost everyone here has spirit houses located on almost every home, business, gas station… The people set food out for these spirits and worship them in many ways. Animism is very present here a lot of people seek out witch doctors/ black magic to receive a spirit animal. There is a lot of darkness. These people know they have a creator. They can feel it in their souls, yet there is so much darkness here they have not seen the LIGHT (Jesus) yet!
The temples here are lavishly beautiful. Most are painted with a gold-plated paint. It’s hard to peel your eyes away from them because of the detail, design, and elegance, but they are so spiritually dark that it makes my heart ache.
There is spiritual warfare going on around us in this present day. Spiritual warfare is very real. Back in the States I know someone who can see evil spirits and darkness, but they can also see the light in Christians. One of her experiences with the spirit world was when she saw a demon and then looked over at the Christian women in the room and said that the Christian women was glowing. That glow comes from Christ. As believers once we accept Christ into our lives we take on this new identity in Christ. Part of that new identity is our souls turn from dark to light. Christ is alive and well dwelling inside every Christian. That light that dwells inside me is my freedom, my grace, my faith, and my salvation. This light I have inside me will always conquer the darkness.
When Jesus spoke again to the people he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life” – John 8:12. This verse gives me so much hope because as Christians we do have authority through Christ Jesus and he gave us this light to guide our paths and conquer the darkness. This light was a gift to us by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. He took on all our sins, our brokenness, and darkness, and by doing this, he gave us the ability to walk in the light. We are seen as pure as snow in God’s eyes. I no longer live in fear of death and darkness because I know my soul is marked with Christ’s light. I now undeservingly get to walk these dark streets with the abundant glow of Christ shining through me. The sacrifices of Christ flesh and blood makes it possible for me to fight in this holy battle. I am a warrior in God’s heavenly army. We are fighting a battle not of the flesh, but of the soul.
-V
“For we are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly realms.”
Ephesians 6:12
