D. PRAYER WARRIORS
Paul was very familiar with the nature of this spiritual conflict. In 1 Corinthians 15:32 he tells how he had “..fought with wild beasts” in Ephesus. He is referring to the beast-like powers of the wicked and evil spirits which opposed his preaching of the gospel.
1. Demon Spirits Are Real
I have ministered in over 100 regions of the world. Most of them have been pagan (godless) places. Often you can feel the covering of darkness, and sense the presence of evil powers. The art-work in the pagan temples depicts horrible, ugly beast-like creatures. They represent demonic spirit-beings which many of the artists have actually seen.
It is not only Christians who have visions and see into the spirit-realm. Those who serve the devil can see into the spirit-world as well. But instead of seeing visions of the Lord and the holy angels, they see visions of demon powers and evil spirits. They are very real, as anyone who has traveled in those parts of the world can testify.
Evil spirits may not reveal themselves as readily in some places of the world, but they are just as powerful in a hidden way. Sometimes they can be even more dangerous since people are not aware of their presence. We don’t have to go around looking for demons, but we need to be aware that we are in a spiritual battle. Then we will always be prepared and on guard.
2. Satan Attacks Prayer
Where do we confront the Enemy most often? Where does he concentrate his attack on us? The most intense conflict comes in the battle to PRAY.
Certainly we are opposed and resisted whenever, wherever and however we seek to advance the Kingdom of God. But of all the things we do, intercessory prayer ministry is opposed most by Satan.
The main purpose of putting on the armor of God (Eph 6:11-17) is to get us ready and prepared for prayer. After we put on the armor, then we’re ready to start “praying always with all prayer and supplication [earnest appeal] in the Spirit” (Eph 6:18).
WHEN WE PRAY, we are going to be resisted by Satan. Here is where we can expect him to press his attack, and fight most fiercely.
3. Remember Your Armor!
Praying in the Spirit (in other tongues) will bring us into spiritual confrontation with the powers of darkness. For that reason it is important that we go into battle with the spiritual armor and weapons which God has given us. We can be wounded and defeated if we fail to put on the armor.
Now it is true, we always move in faith, not fear. But faith must be directed towards that which we know. God does not want us “…ignorant [without knowledge] of the devil’s devices [ways and methods]” (2 Cor 2:11).
4. There Is Power In Prayer
Over the past 40 years I have seen the victories God can bring through the power and authority of prayer. It has meant my very life!
Some years ago, the devil tried to weaken and destroy me with cholera. The vaccinations I had taken had not provided me with the protection I needed. In the natural course of the disease I could expect to die within two to four hours.
I laid my life and ministry before the Lord and submitted everything to His will. I was not giving up to a weak faithless attitude, but firmly confessing that God’s full will and purpose would be done.
If this was my time to be taken home, then I was ready to go. “For me to live is Christ; to die is gain” (Phil 1:21). If God was not through with me, then I would go right on to another region to minister. I firmly decided I would not back down, but take my stand in faith before the Enemy. The armor of God would be my defense!.
Once again, I experienced the power of prayer and the authority of God’s prayer warriors. The devil was defeated and my life was spared. You can see why, for me, prayer is more than just a topic on which to preach; it is indeed my very life!
Come, dear warrior of prayer. Put on your armor; take up your sword; and defeat the Enemy by the authority of God’s Word and the power of living righteously.
If you do, you will know “…Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of the kingdom” (Heb 1:8).
“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?
“Is it not to deal your bread to the hungry, and that you bring the poor that are cast out to your house? when you see the naked, that you cover him; and that you hide not yourself from thine own flesh?
“Then shall your light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and your righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the LORD shall answer; you shall cry, and he shall say, Here I am” (Isa 58:6-9).
a. Do You Lack Prayer Power? If you have been reading this and are aware you haven’t been living right, why don’t you stop right now and respond to this invitation from the Lord: “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God for he will abundantly pardon” (Isa 55:7).
Your prayer of repentance, your acknowledgement of your transgression to the Lord, your restitution to those to whom you may have done wrong – these are all steps that can cause your fellowship with God to be restored.
You can then have power in prayer. You can have blessed fulfillment of the promise in your life: “And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer: and while they are yet speaking, I will hear” (Isa 65:24).