Planting churches in remote island villages that have been strongholds of Satan for generations is not just a logistical challenge—we are in the middle of a spiritual battle! In the past five months we have had great highs and deep lows in our fledging little congregation, but we know where our enemy is and what we can do to overcome him.
“Now Amalek came and fought with Israel….when Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed….Aaron and Hur supported his hands…and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword” (Exodus 17:8-13)
In this account of Israel’s first battle in the wilderness, God gives us a vivid picture of the effective power of prayer to overcome the enemy. Here are some principles I am taking home and applying to our situation:
- – The enemy will come to oppose you as you obey God and march forward toward His promises. You should not be surprised or shaken when this happens.
- – Every fighter needs an Intercessor. While some were sent to the battle line to fight with swords, Moses went to the top of the mountain with a couple brothers to intercede for the warriors on the field.
- – God is the greatest warrior in your army. Though the physical fighting was constant (and necessary!), it was God’s intervention that made the difference and won the battle.
- – The victory of the valiant was immediate and proportional to the prayer offered for their breakthrough.
- – Prayer warriors will grow weary. Moses needed two men to help him hold his hands up. The old intercessor couldn’t possibly stand in the blazing sun with his antennae up all day long and so needed assistance to play his part in the victory.
- – Prayer wins the battle and God wins the war. Immediately after this first victory, God declares utter destruction to these defeated enemies, pledging to personally fight against them.
- – Your victory makes a name for God. The overcomer in this battle was named YHWH nissi, “The-Lord-Is-My-Banner”, and His fame was increased (to this day!) to all who heard of these things.
The days and weeks that we put in concerted time and effort in prayer for Lujjaabwa island, the saints there seem to be filled with love for one another, strengthened in faith, and an increasing number leave their lives of sin and join together in fellowship. Other times of busyness and distraction seem to leave our people wracked with discouragement, backbiting and backsliding, with many staying at home when the brethren gather.
I’m requesting you to join with us in this critical hour in the life of this little church. Can we pray together for their spiritual maturity, for their sincere love for one another, for a passion to reach their community, and for humble servant leaders to develop from among them? Can we believe together for the breaking of every spiritual stronghold, for the silencing of the accuser of the brethren, for the overcoming power of God to overwhelm the temptations that threaten them every hour in that wild land?
Surely the enemies of the cross will come out to fight. Surely they have the destruction of the people of God in mind and will not stop unless they are stopped. But just as surely let the people of God take their stand before the throne of God, calling out to the Mighty One to give His people victory. Let prayers and tears with fasting be offered to the God who always gives us the victory. Surely he will save His people and His name will be exalted on that distant shore.