Oct. 6, 2012
Earth is a battlefield. Soldiers run through abandoned villages, kicking in doors, always alert for the enemy lurking on the other side. Families are torn apart, children are orphaned and starving and friends betray friends. These soldiers, exhausted and weak, must keep strong because the lives of their comrades are at stake.
Earth is a battlefield. Soldiers move through towns void of all hope, and break down the doors to people’s hearts. These soldiers witness families torn apart and show them the One who can mend. They see starving, orphaned children and give all they can to help, trusting the One who made these children to keep providing for them. These soldiers, exhausted and weak, keep carrying on because the very souls of their comrades are at stake.
As Christians, we are in a spiritual war. The devil knows we have the truth and he is trying to stop us from spreading it. The Bible says, in 1 Peter 5:8, “Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about seeking whom he may devour.” He will do anything he can to stop us. And Satan doesn’t fight fair.
Most people think that missionaries are on the front lines, fighting in the most heated battles against Satan. But based on my experience, I don’t think we can limit the devil to one simple tactic. Currently, I’m serving as a student missionary in Thailand. I haven’t fought the devil on my turf here. But I know that Satan doesn’t want me here. The group that I’m with is very close and we all support each other very strongly. I think that the devil saw that and decided to take the easy way out. He does know us all so well and he knows where our weak spot is.
In the past two weeks, every single one of us missionaries has received some bad news from home. The jobs and health of our friends and families have been threatened. Many deaths have occurred. Not a single one of us has been left untouched. I find that it’s much harder to concentrate on God’s work here when my family is being threatened at home. I find that I just wish I could be with my family and help them solve their problems. And I’m positive the devil knows that.
Before I came to Thailand, I knew that I would be facing some challenges while out in the “mission field.” I didn’t plan on my year as a servant being easy. Even the Bible says, in 2 Timothy 2:3, “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” It’s what good soldiers do—go through hard times. But I was ready in my mind to be attacked personally by the devil. I had my group of friends and we were ready for the attacks he would throw at us. But I didn’t expect him to go under the table and behind my back and attack my loved ones that I thought I left safely at home.
Many people think that only the missionaries are on the front lines. They think they are on the home front, supporting the warriors, in no danger themselves. I warn you; be careful. This whole earth is a battlefield. Keep your eyes open and watch your back! Satan knows the quickest way to weaken a warrior is to threaten his family. He doesn’t want us to carry out God’s work here in Thailand. Help us please! Don’t let the enemy catch you off guard!
“Put on the whole armor 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.” Ephesians 6:11,12
Author Katelyn Pauls is a student missionary in Thailand.
