His Aid
Good Morning,
While praying for our missionaries in Africa and the South Pacific, I was very conscious of the weaknesses of these dear friends and the fierceness of the enemy they face. Some of these missionaries I prayed for have been my friends since college or the early years in our ministry. For over a third of a century, these faithful servants have served; and as I watch them age, I pray more for them and their families.
Ephesians 6:12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
Paul wrote of our spiritual wrestling — the battle against spiritual wickedness in high places. These missionary friends face demonic activity, corrupt governments, and all the sinful powers of the flesh. As I prayed for them, I was reminded that I am no more able to fight the spiritual enemy than they are; the outcome of the battle is all of the grace and the power of God.
Some of these friends have serious physical ailments, some have broken hearts over loved ones living sinful lives, but all wrestle with the evil one. I am reminded that a sound body is no more able to fight spiritual darkness than a weak and sinful one. In fact, in weakness, we often pray more and humble ourselves more easily.
I need prayer just as my friends do. The Apostle Paul also requested prayer:
2 Thessalonians 3:1 “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:”
Were it not for the grace, mercy, and help of God, how easily we would stumble and fall or become discouraged and quit. I must continue to remember that without Him, I can do nothing.
John 15:5 “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
Even when I am overly busy, I am reminded that I need to stop and go aside to seek the presence and help of the Father if I hope to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Ephesians 6:11 “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
Many a faithful child of God has walked away from his church or place of service simply due to despair, weakness, or frustration. All of that could have been helped by spending time in prayer and by the prayer of others.
Ephesians 6:18 “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”
vs. 19 “And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,”
Missionary Mark Sigstad and I attended college together. He has spent over three decades laboring in Nigeria. He wrestled through a bout with cancer and returned to West Africa. The grace of God is the only element that has allowed him to successfully continue in the spiritual warfare as the years pass. May we all be assured that being a mother or carrying the responsibility for the spiritual well-being of a family as a father does is impossible without the help of God.
Let us often remind ourselves of the words in these songs:
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
Make friends of God’s children; help those who are weak;
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.
Pastor