It’s been over 2 months since I accepted the invitation to go on The World Race. I’ve had the chance to meet one squad mate, and become closer with the others through social media (read Facebook!). It’s been interesting to say the least. Who knew strangers could actually become friends through social media alone?
When we just started communicating different people in the group mentioned the ways in which they felt attacked. Everything was going so smoothly for me that I thanked God for that blessing and prayed for them before going about business as usual.
Two month later I have to say things are looking very different to me. It seems like there’s an endless list of things to pray about now. From families and close friends being so unsupportive it’s causing would-be racers to reconsider God’s will for them, to unexpected hospital visits, to seeing people we expect to support us become hateful, to no donations coming in, to potential life-threatening diseases in family members, to having to move out of homes, to unexpected deaths… the list goes on and on. It’s gone from coincidental strokes of bad luck to clear spiritual attacks!
I personally have been struggling with my left shoulder this week which, for the first time ever, has been dislocating and popping back into place sporadically throughout the day. And yes, it’s as painful as it sounds. When I explained to my doctor that I hadn’t injured it she looked at me shocked and confused. She assumed that something had happened, because a shoulder doesn’t just pop out of place with no history of issues, right?
My first thought was, “How can I possibly carry a 40 pound pack around for 11 months with a dislocated shoulder?!” I still don’t really know the answer to that. But I’ll tell you what I do know:
to fight a spiritual battle you need a spiritual leader.
[‘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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. – Ephesians 6:10-18]
That being said I’m asking for your prayers!
Please pray for me and for my entire squad as we embark on a journey to obey and draw closer to God. It seems to me that satan is throwing whatever he can at us in hopes that we might be distracted from the purpose of all of this..
sharing the gospel and bringing people into a relationship with God.
But in truth this gives us the opportunity to fight in a way that will glorify our Father beautifully. We’re praying for each other, together and individually – showing who the Lord of our lives is, and not allowing these situations to become so important that we lose focus. We’re focusing on His word, His Spirit, His righteousness, and His gospel with the faith that He will protect and deliver us to salvation. We’re remembering our faithful God’s promise – a promise that always calms me, and stills my mind:
‘The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still.’ – Exodus 14:14
Thankfully God has promised to fight our fights for us… and I have no doubt about who’s going to win.
‘You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you’ – 2 Chronicles 20:17
