02 Aug 2023
What can we apply from Paul's words about how we can finish our current season or this year strongly? If we are to finish strong, we must remember with thankfulness the small and great things God has done in our lives.
January – February 2023
The World Outreach International Director Update is updated every six weeks.
Facing the Battles of 2023
Dear Friend of World Outreach
A very happy New Year to you from all of us serving in World Outreach. I hope that you had a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends.
Even though the turning of a New Year often creates a sense of excitement, every circumspect person realises that each new year will also bring new spiritual battles.
Those involved in missions understand all too well the reality of spiritual warfare. One of the weapons by which we can prevail in this invisible conflict is prayer.
The Good News Still Bears Fruit
Throughout his letters, Paul metaphorically described the Christian experience in terms of warfare:
- The ‘Church’ is depicted as an ‘army’ (Eph. 6:10-18)
- ‘Enemies’ are portrayed as ‘spiritual forces’ (Eph. 6:12)
- ‘Protection’ is seen in terms of the ‘armour of God’ (Eph. 6:10-18)
- ‘Satan’s attacks’ are described as ‘schemes’ (2 Cor. 2:11) and ‘fiery darts’ (Eph. 6:17)
- ‘Gospel ministry’ is likened to ancient siege warfare (2 Cor. 10:3-5)
- ‘Weapons’ are designated as having ‘divine power to demolish strongholds’ (2 Cor. 10:4)
- ‘Faith’ is regarded as ‘the good fight’ (1 Tim. 1:18; 6:12)
The passage in which Paul most commonly employs the military metaphor is Ephesians 6:10-18 where he taught that the enemy of the church does not consist of ‘flesh and blood’ like those of Old Testament Israel, but ‘rulers, authorities, powers and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms’ (v. 12). These spiritual powers are demonic beings which are powerful, wicked and strategic (Vv. 11-13). The leader of these powers is ‘the devil’ whose ‘schemes’ they carry out against the church (v. 11).
Some translators liken the word ‘schemes’ to the English word ‘stratagem’, which is generally regarded as a manoeuvre designed to deceive or outwit an enemy in war. Satan uses evil tactics to oppose, derail or divide the church and its ministers/leaders.
Standing Strong
The question then becomes, ‘How can we stand strong against the attacks of such enemies?’ On the surface, we are often weak and ignorant of what is happening in the spiritual realm. Nevertheless, Christians are instructed to take their stand against these schemes by being strong and firm in the Lord (Vv. 10, 11, 13), by clothing themselves in the ‘armour of God’ (Vv. 14-17; cf. Isaiah 59:17) and by adopting a vigilant attitude of prayer (v. 18).
This last one (vigilant prayer) is a vital and powerful part of a Christian’s arsenal in spiritual warfare. Prayer enables us to prevail in this otherworldly conflict. Prayer is a way by which we ‘stand our ground’. Prayer is a means by which we engage in battle. Prayer brings a breakthrough.
Therefore, let us stand firm, stand our ground, not give up, and not give in, but (Eph. 6:18) ‘Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.’ (NLT)
Please stand with all our Field Workers in prayer throughout 2023. Please click here if you’d like to sign up to receive our daily, weekly, or monthly prayer requests. The battle is very real, so we’d value your partnership in prayer.
Every blessing on you for the year ahead,
God bless,
Bruce Hills
World Outreach International Director
World Outreach International Director
Bruce has served as International Director of World Outreach since January 2017. He joined the World Outreach team in July 2010 as Leadership Development Director, a role he served in up to his appointment as International Director.
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