Spiritual Warfare

As we prepared to return to Malawi, we watched a DVD series called "Spiritual Warfare for Every Christian" by Dean Sherman and read his book by the same name. It is an awesome series and book and we highly recommend it. He has worked with YWAM for many years and the book and DVD can be purchased through YWAM's website.

One of the reasons we are returning to Malawi is to try and teach on how much power God has compared to Satan. Malawians understand the spiritual realm as they have seen and heard demonic activity all their lives—it is very real to them. Most of us, on the other hand, don't seem to understand or even believe that we are in a war every day. Dean Sherman says that we are involved in warfare all the time. It isn't an event but a life. He says, "Spiritual warfare is learning to recognize the strategies of the enemy, refusing to cooperate with the strategies, and aggressively cutting them off in Jesus' name." He doesn't see demons in every situation but points out how our Christian walk can either open the gate or close the gate to Satan's strategies. The bottom line is that we are to be aware of the enemy's schemes but be impressed with God and then we won't have any fear.

I have to admit that when I first started reading his book I was very afraid and wondered why in the world we would want to go to Malawi and teach this. As I continued reading I became more and more confident of God's power and that I didn't need to fear as "greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world." When I realize who I am in Christ, what power has been given to me through Jesus Christ, and then I can have peace. I'm not foolish enough to believe that we won't face trials because we will but that's the exciting part. If we never face trials then we can never see the power of God.

Another great book we've been reading is"Smoking the Mango Tree." When we told a friend about our plans in Malawi they told us to read this book. It describes the ministry of a missionary family from Scotland who goes to a tribe in the Philippines and experience many spiritual battles but also many victories as they and the tribe see God's power in action. The book reinforced the principles that we learned from the "Spiritual Warfare" series.

Since we experienced many trials when we lived in Malawi we know that we won't be immune from trials this time either. Our prayer is that through it all God will be glorified.

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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]. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" (Eph 6:10-18)