I've been watching "The War," a WWII documentary that aired on PBS some time ago. I recognize the names of many of the places battles were fought from the ships I worked on in the shipyard like the Belleau Wood (WWI) Tarawa, and Peleliu. The focus of a good part of the fourth DVD was concerning the battle of Peleliu. An airstrip on Peleliu was heavily defended by the Japanese and the Major General of the 1st Marine Division believed the battle would be over in four days. Though there was an intense offshore bombardment from battleships, cruisers, and carriers for days before landing on the beach, the Japanese positions remained virtually unharmed. Of all the battles in the Pacific, it had the highest casualty rate for the U.S. armed forces. What some thought would be quick and easy took over two months and with 1,794 Americans killed and 8,010 wounded.
As I watched the tragic history of the battle unfold, I thought of the spiritual warfare involved in foreign missions. The Japanese were heavily armed, well-fortified and supplied, knew the topography of the island and the placement of traps, and were ready for any attack. When a missionary goes into an area where God's Word has little or no foothold, one can be certain Satan will have many strongholds in that nation. Some run with the "if God is for us who can be against us" cavalier mentality, and believe we can rush into battle, repeat some phrases or consult a book to obtain instant victory. I mean, we've gone through Bible school and training! This is God's will, that all would come to the knowledge of the truth, some flippantly say. Why take this spiritual thing so seriously? This expectation of easy victory has been the cause of neglect of prayer, disillusionment, the retreat, and even casualties. Those who think they stand should take heed lest they fall.
Many of the Marines who landed on Peleliu were battle-seasoned, trial-tested men. Yet Peleliu was a meat grinder for both sides. Every American was at war, yet it was the men in the field that had a firsthand view of the horror of war. It is the one in the field who will be on the front lines, and the one in the prayer closet that faces strongest attacks. Satan will never relinquish his strongholds without a fight. When I think of Australia and the pervasive spiritual climate of darkness, there is part of me that shudders because I know what lies ahead. I don't know exactly, but I know it will be brutally tough. It will be an absolute dogfight. There is no romantic hue I can attach to physical or spiritual battle. I know the battle is beyond me, but I am more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ.
If a man can give all and sacrifice his comfort for country, a Christian must be willing to give all for His LORD and Savior. Jesus Christ provides not only comfort through the Holy Spirit, but the ultimate victory over sin and death. It does us well to remember how our servicemen and women gave and give for the sake of country, and let us never forget the price Jesus paid with His own blood. In light of what Jesus has given, could I ever give too much to Him?
As I watched the tragic history of the battle unfold, I thought of the spiritual warfare involved in foreign missions. The Japanese were heavily armed, well-fortified and supplied, knew the topography of the island and the placement of traps, and were ready for any attack. When a missionary goes into an area where God's Word has little or no foothold, one can be certain Satan will have many strongholds in that nation. Some run with the "if God is for us who can be against us" cavalier mentality, and believe we can rush into battle, repeat some phrases or consult a book to obtain instant victory. I mean, we've gone through Bible school and training! This is God's will, that all would come to the knowledge of the truth, some flippantly say. Why take this spiritual thing so seriously? This expectation of easy victory has been the cause of neglect of prayer, disillusionment, the retreat, and even casualties. Those who think they stand should take heed lest they fall.
Many of the Marines who landed on Peleliu were battle-seasoned, trial-tested men. Yet Peleliu was a meat grinder for both sides. Every American was at war, yet it was the men in the field that had a firsthand view of the horror of war. It is the one in the field who will be on the front lines, and the one in the prayer closet that faces strongest attacks. Satan will never relinquish his strongholds without a fight. When I think of Australia and the pervasive spiritual climate of darkness, there is part of me that shudders because I know what lies ahead. I don't know exactly, but I know it will be brutally tough. It will be an absolute dogfight. There is no romantic hue I can attach to physical or spiritual battle. I know the battle is beyond me, but I am more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ.
If a man can give all and sacrifice his comfort for country, a Christian must be willing to give all for His LORD and Savior. Jesus Christ provides not only comfort through the Holy Spirit, but the ultimate victory over sin and death. It does us well to remember how our servicemen and women gave and give for the sake of country, and let us never forget the price Jesus paid with His own blood. In light of what Jesus has given, could I ever give too much to Him?
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