Great stuff! That insight about Satan being "100% fine with us having a successful mission trip as long as He can keep us at bay when we're at home" - that's uncomfortably true. It reminds me of C.S. Lewis's observation that the devil's greatest trick isn't making us believe he doesn't exist, but making us too distracted to notice his work.
Your Brazil experiences mirror what I've seen in ministry - sometimes the opposition is obvious (like your elderly lady disruption), but often it's those subtle moments of inexplicable "blanking" or persistent heaviness. But you're right - here at home, the warfare often wears business casual and carries a smartphone.
What strikes me most is your call to be both sober-minded AND watchful. It's not just about recognizing the battle, but maintaining the spiritual clarity to engage it effectively. The good news, as you pointed out, is that we're not fighting for victory, but from victory. Christ's authority isn't diminished by geography.
Yes sir! You're spot on. I'm thankful to the Lord for giving us a vision in His Word on navigating spiritual warfare. And, to your point, thankful that we're fighting from victory. The truth is that some of the demonic activity we're experiencing today is being done by the same adversaries that Peter is referring to in his letter. No matter how hard they try, they'll never have victory over the saints because of Christ's authority!
Omg that’s exactly what I tell my husband all the time! We are in a war all the time! We just let our guards down with friends or family what is a mistake, or in our case, my husband’s let his guard down amongst “so called Christian’s”. Now I am Brazilian who lived in USA for 38 years and the issue with Brazil is the mysticism and the tendency for everyone to over spiritualize everything! I would encourage people to pray simple prayer asking the Lord for discernment, clarity and a word of knowledge. Trust your gut, the Holy Spirit is in us! We are in a war all the time🙏
Scary , but so much truth here.
Thank you for sharing these experiences, Brandon! This was enlightening and convicting.
Glad it was helpful, Lindsey!
Great stuff! That insight about Satan being "100% fine with us having a successful mission trip as long as He can keep us at bay when we're at home" - that's uncomfortably true. It reminds me of C.S. Lewis's observation that the devil's greatest trick isn't making us believe he doesn't exist, but making us too distracted to notice his work.
Your Brazil experiences mirror what I've seen in ministry - sometimes the opposition is obvious (like your elderly lady disruption), but often it's those subtle moments of inexplicable "blanking" or persistent heaviness. But you're right - here at home, the warfare often wears business casual and carries a smartphone.
What strikes me most is your call to be both sober-minded AND watchful. It's not just about recognizing the battle, but maintaining the spiritual clarity to engage it effectively. The good news, as you pointed out, is that we're not fighting for victory, but from victory. Christ's authority isn't diminished by geography.
Yes sir! You're spot on. I'm thankful to the Lord for giving us a vision in His Word on navigating spiritual warfare. And, to your point, thankful that we're fighting from victory. The truth is that some of the demonic activity we're experiencing today is being done by the same adversaries that Peter is referring to in his letter. No matter how hard they try, they'll never have victory over the saints because of Christ's authority!
Omg that’s exactly what I tell my husband all the time! We are in a war all the time! We just let our guards down with friends or family what is a mistake, or in our case, my husband’s let his guard down amongst “so called Christian’s”. Now I am Brazilian who lived in USA for 38 years and the issue with Brazil is the mysticism and the tendency for everyone to over spiritualize everything! I would encourage people to pray simple prayer asking the Lord for discernment, clarity and a word of knowledge. Trust your gut, the Holy Spirit is in us! We are in a war all the time🙏
Good word!
A great reminder that we do not battle against flesh and blood.
Yes sir!
Thanks! I started my day with this.
Glad it was helpful!