Aren’t all battlegrounds dangerous?
The question rang in my mind as I sat cross-legged on a thick fleece blanket on the floor. The sun had just risen, but I hadn’t opened the blinds yet because I’ve found I’m less distracted if I pray in the dark, and the glow of the electric heater in front of me was just perfect for sitting or for walking as I talked to the Lord. I was talking with Him about a future trip I have planned and wrestling with the question, “Is it unwise to put myself in an environment that is potentially dangerous?”
The Holy Spirit’s voice rang clear once again as I sighed and settled in to listen: Sure, it’s dangerous. All battlegrounds are dangerous.
As I reflected on that idea, I realized that we face a battleground that is perhaps more dangerous than physical environment. I’m reading the book of Job right now and I find it interesting that Satan’s intent wasn’t to kill Job’s body. Rather, his intent was to distract him, to disillusion him, to somehow distort his view of God, and to somehow bring Job to the place where he no longer brought glory to God.
I think somehow our enemy still has the same intent today. He is subtle in his tactics. The number of foreign gospel workers that die proclaiming their faith around the world is small. But gospel workers who suffer burn-out, face casualties of damaged relationships and get discouraged by lack of obvious results often end up just where the enemy wants them: Far away from the battleground. For some, it means going back to their home country. For others, it simply means disengaging from the people around them and engaging in their “home” life online or in expat communities.
The further I go in language and culture learning (which happen simultaneously), the more “culture stress” I seem to experience. When I first arrived, I didn’t understand much about my environment, and I could easily appreciate the surface cultural differences: food, dress, customs, etc. I still love many of those things about the place where I live. But there are many days, particularly after an intense language/culture session, where I go home thinking, “How will I ever understand? How will I ever be able to present the Truth in a way that is understandable through this person’s worldview?”
And that’s where the real battle comes in. Just like our enemy’s purposes in testing Job, he wants me to be distracted by the differences instead of focused on proclaiming Jesus at every opportunity. He wants me to be disillusioned by the size of the battle instead of looking in faith to the One who won the victory. The enemy wants me to see God with the wrong frame so I will give up seeking His glory in all things.
And the battle is fought in prayer. I must always bring my “culture stress” before Him in prayer not just once, but multiple times daily. I need your prayer, too, because we have a real enemy who wants to steal, kill, and destroy. I know my eternal destiny, and it’s abundant life. I know that the true battle isn’t for my physical safety on this field, it’s for my focus, my passion and my abiding in Jesus. Will you fight with me in prayer?
Yes! This is such a great post! This is exact what we all need prayer for, I think….the crux of our battle. Our prayers are with you. Please pray in this same area for us. May we fix our eyes on Jesus and focus on His purpose, not our doubts.
Only God can advise you as you know that and wisely ask us to pray with you for direction. I will be one to do this. Don
Yes! It is the battlefield of and for the mind, the soul. Disillusionment is the great disabler. We try to nourish forward progress with the junk food of emotions ( I want to feel good about this situation!) and are perplexed at our lack of stamina. May we all be fearless and renew our minds, strengthen our hearts with joy and stop the sin of worrying over the “how” of every detail of His plan! Thank you for this candid reminder from your heart.
Amen!! Yes, I pray with you and the battle that we all must face each day and thank God in Christ Jesus that he knows what we’re facing and will always be with us to lead and guide us through every moment to reach those he has brought into our lives to share the wonders, his greatness and the joy that comes from Jesus Christ alone.
I will pray for you! Ma you continue to bring God the glory! Be encouraged friend!!
Wow! Thought provoking and sobering in a life giving way! I’d been thinking lately that we need to pray more for you–that must have been the Holy Spirit! I love how God works! Your message here is so needed, such a good reminder for us Westerners. 🙂 And just so you know, you don’t go anywhere without challenging, inspiring others to pursue abs follow Christ and Making His love visible. Both here and abroad.
This is so good and so true! I am so thankful Holy Spirit revealed this to you. He will continue to equip you for the call that He has placed on your life. Continue to be obedient and let Him do the work. You are an amazing communicator and there is a reason you are there. He could have called anyone else to do what you are doing, but he didn’t. He called YOU! Continue to pray in the spirit and build yourself up in your most holy faith. I love you dear friend. I will take time tonight to pray that your heart would be refreshed in Him. That your passion and fire for His plan for your life and calling would be greater than ever. Your mom once wrote this verse in a card to me when I was a teenager. I don’t remember the card or what she said. But for whatever reason, this was the first time I had read this verse. And now, it seems fitting to share with you, her daughter, for such a time as this. “Do not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9) I love you friend. You are an amazing woman of God, not forgotten, and highly gifted. Your calling is great, and your destiny amazing. He is pleased with you. Right now. May you go deeper than ever before as you push thru this season. Love you dearly, Danielle
Thank you so much for your encouragement and your prayers! Love you too!