The Spiritual Battle and the Call for Prayer Covering
The Bible reminds us of the spiritual nature of our battles: “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 6:12). This verse sets a clear understanding that as global workers, we step into a battlefield that goes beyond what is visible. It’s not just about cultural differences or tangible obstacles but spiritual forces that seek to hinder God’s work.
The Realities of Life on the Field
The field often brings its unique set of challenges—cultural misunderstandings, spiritual strongholds, and isolation from a home community. Global Workers face exhaustion, burnout, discouragement, and sometimes direct spiritual attacks. When engaging in cross-cultural work, we encounter dynamics and worldviews vastly different from our own. It requires not only cultural sensitivity but deep humility to recognize our own biases and where we must lay down our pride, stepping back so that Christ can shine through us.
Discernment becomes a daily necessity. Is this resistance purely physical—a language barrier or cultural misunderstanding? Or is it a spiritual attack aimed at discouraging and distracting us from God’s mission?
Without God’s guidance, we may be blind to the enemy’s schemes. We need His leading to see clearly through the fog of spiritual warfare.
The Importance of Prayer Covering
Prayer is a global worker's greatest support, both a shield and a guiding light. Sending churches can support their workers first and foremost through intense and committed prayer covering. Praying for wisdom, discernment, protection, and strength is essential. Global Workers, often isolated from their support networks, need to know they are upheld by those back home, seeking God’s intervention and wisdom on their behalf.
In my own journey, I have witnessed the enemy’s tactics firsthand. Many days, when ministry was thriving and I felt encouraged, opposition would come out of nowhere. I have experienced sudden conflict, unexpected setbacks, and spiritual heaviness. This reminds me of the story of Elijah after his triumph at Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18-19). Though he had seen God’s power in a mighty way, soon after, he fled in fear from Jezebel, discouraged and weary. In the same way, the enemy seeks to hit when we least expect it, turning moments of victory into trials.
Surrendering and Centering on God
When opposition arises, it is essential to step back, breathe, and realign with God. In my early years, my instinct was to enter "fix it" mode. Like many of us, I wanted to solve the problems around me on my own strength. Yet, more often than not, God invites us to surrender. “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). By seeking Him first, I have been amazed at how He works things out in ways I could not foresee or comprehend.
Taking time to refocus and invite God to be our center shifts the burden. It reminds us that it is not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit (Zechariah 4:6). We cannot walk this journey alone; we need prayer warriors standing with us, and we must constantly seek God's wisdom to discern between what is flesh and what is spirit. He alone can untangle what we cannot see, providing clarity, strength, and victory.
May we, as global workers and as those who support them, continually depend on His guidance, cover one another in prayer, and find rest in His capable hands. When we surrender to Him, we are empowered to walk forward not in our own strength but in His, trusting that He leads us through every battle with wisdom and grace.
Until All Have Heard,
Rachel
