The spiritual warfare was intense over there, frankly too intense to describe. The enemy reveals himself in very obvious ways, ways not usually found in the states. Here he works with subtly. "Just do it." "It's really not that big of a deal." "Seriously, you're worried about this?" Deception is his craft. As believers, we know this. We know that he is the father of lies and he is here to steal, kill, and destroy. But here I don't think we are as sensitive to it as we should be. Here we are tricked and deceived on a daily basis, with little things. Little bits of our sinful nature that creep up like a cockroach to bits of food on the floor; quickly scurrying in with one goal, to steal what isn't his. The roach roams freely in the darkness knowing that he won't be found, because in the darkness we are blinded. In the darkness we are bits of food waiting to be swallowed. But when the light is turned on, darkness flees and so does the roach, for in the light, darkness cannot survive, and the enemy is exposed.
One thing I have realized since I have been home is the importance of the ability to realize the areas in my life that are footholds for the enemy. What am I getting lazy about that the enemy is preparing to pounce on? Where do I need to ask God to shine light? I have heard from my peers that when you ask God to reveal this to you, He does and you might be shocked by the outcome. Frankly, I would rather be shocked and moving toward repair, than blissfully ignorant, breaking more and more with every step.
"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psalms 51:10
