"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but...against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

It's been a crazy but good couple of weeks!  From June 4th-7th I traveled to AIM's national headquarters in Peachtree City, GA for short term orientation where I met 12 other individuals who will be serving from 5 weeks to a year all throughout Eastern Africa (homeschooling in Mozambique, physical therapy with special needs orphans in Uganda, working in an airplane hanger in Kenya, etc.).  It is amazing to see how in only a few days such strong friendships were formed.  Preparing to serve the Lord intellectually and spiritually really has a way of bringing the Body of Christ together.

My time in GA was a very encouraging and exciting time as the reality of my trip began to set in and as I was able to pray and join in supporting the work of other short-term missionaries.  At the same time, the reality of spiritual attack and oppression has never been more evident to me.  It's easy to forget what Paul tells the Ephesians: that "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" (Ephesians 6:12).  I repeat, "and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

Here in America we live in a society that seeks to understand everything rationally.  We often fail to acknowledge the reality of spiritual warfare; or, if we do believe in this we would rather ignore it and leave that to places like Africa.  Yes...there is A LOT of spiritual warfare throughout Africa (which is why your prayers are VITALLY important before and during my time over there), but the spiritual forces we fight against are just as present here in our daily lives.  While the reality of spiritual darkness and oppression may be recognized and accepted more openly overseas, America is daily assaulted by what I like to call "undercover darkness."  This darkness takes the form of depression, anxiety, sexual messages and ideologies and even the complacency of "The American Dream" and "The Good Life."  We are under attack, and the scariest part is that most of us don't even realize that we are.

The flip side of this, however, is the reality of John 16:33: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."  Christ has conquered sin and death; HE has ultimate authority over this world and the spiritual realms, and we are called to "put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground..." (Ephesians 6:13).  Are we arming ourselves with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit?  All of these things root themselves in the reality of Christ and His victory over sin and death.  When we acknowledge this and equip ourselves for battle, darkness stands no chance.

But...there is one more thing we are told to do.  "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 saints" (Ephesians 6:18).  What is our greatest weapon?  Prayer.  Our direct link with the almighty and sovereign God.  Prayer calls forth the reality of Christ and His victory in our lives and in the world around us.  What are we to do when sin and temptation bear down upon us?  Pray.  What are we to do when peace seems far away?  Pray.  What are we to do when God's promises seem alive and well?  Pray all the more in thanksgiving.  Prayer--it is ESSENTIAL for everything we do.

And so I ask all of you to take the intentional effort to pray.  Pray for the short-term missionaries who have already left for Africa; pray for me in the time leading up to my trip; pray for those who live around you here in America.  Pray alone; pray together.  Be prepared to face the reality of spiritual warfare, but face this with the confidence of Jesus Christ and what He has already accomplished on our behalf.  Pray without ceasing.