We have been given weapons to use by God himself to overcome the wiles of the devil (Mk. 16:15-18; Luke 24: 46-49 (NKJV). The Apostle Paul tells us clearly that we “wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12). So there must be a battle that has to be fought. To the church–at –large: What makes anyone think that there will not be spiritual warfare when trying to reach a person with the most important choice of his life? He/she is ultimately choosing between God and Satan.
What one faces is lack of understanding that there is a battle that rages, (over a man’s soul) even though it is not seen. It is the proverbial fight between good and evil but this fight is not a movie. This is a battle between our adversary (1 Pet. 5:8), the devil, and God Almighty. Until Satan is thrust into the lake of fire forever (Rev. 19:20), we have to contend with him in some manner. So when evangelizing a human soul think not for one moment that Satan will not oppose or place opposition in the path.
Fasting coupled with intercessory prayer can and will help when one is confronting a nonbeliever. “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds” (2 Cor. 10:4). In God we find our key. Jesus tells us plainly (my paraphrase) that he will not leave us orphans but will send another who will come to (our aid and) help us (John 14:18). The Holy Spirit is here (he is our inheritance) to help guide us into all truth (John 16:13). In seeking to evangelize anyone, it is imperative to be guided by the Holy Spirit. In that way, he can give us understanding as to the how so that our attempts and outcomes are victorious…whatever they may be. In addition, we have to realize that God loves them and the process of “bringing them into the fold” so to speak may take time and a lot of (our) patience. Evangelization is much more effective, though, when others trust the one who is speaking to them in regard to their eternal salvation. It is up to the one who is evangelizing to trust that the Holy Spirit knows the individual.
Listening and timing are essentials, as well, but if the Holy Spirit is asked beforehand then He will guide, lead, and direct the face-to-face interaction. My prayer before battle might go something like this—
“Father, please give me eyes to see and ears to hear (listen) so that my outreach will not be thwarted by Satan and at the very least the seeds of the gospel are sown into the soil of his or her heart and then allow the only truth that will set them free (John 8:32), in Jesus’ mighty name I ask.” Amen
Molly
