I am currently reading a book about war: “On The Ground – The Secret War In Vietnam,” by John Stryker Meyer & John E. Peters.
One of the reasons I am enjoying this book so much is because for me, personally, it is a very real and vivid picture of what the Christian life is like.
Being a Christian in today’s world feels a lot like a SOG (Studies and Observations Group) team.
The special forces SOG teams ran recon missions across the borders of Laos, Cambodia, and North Vietnam. Although the SOG teams and their “secret” missions were unknown to the media or the public, their impact on the overall war effort was profound! So much so that the communists dedicated thousands of troops, including an entire battalion of highly trained sappers, with the sole mission of attacking and taking out SOG teams.
If we are a follower of Jesus Christ, then we too are embroiled in spiritual warfare!
“Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” – Ephesians 6:12
This world where we live is enemy territory … with unseen spiritual forces of evil pressing in hard and heavy all around!
Jesus has specifically placed each of us exactly where He wants us … and that is right here … right here in this city … right here interacting with these people … right here at this place of employment. Just like the SOG teams, we are deep in enemy-held territory! Our mission is to live for Jesus Christ. Plain and simple.
Just as the SOG teams were unknown to the media or public, so also, as we live for Jesus Christ where He has placed us, our efforts for Christ will, for the most part, feel unseen, and unnoticed.
When we let offenses go … it will be unseen and unnoticed. When we forgive … it will be unseen and unnoticed. When we stand up for truth and right … it will feel unseen and unnoticed. When we work hard and give our very best … it will feel unseen and unnoticed. (in fact, it will often be used against us)
And just like the SOG teams were small and vulnerable … so also, we too will feel small and vulnerable as we face off with unseen forces of evil each day.
But even though the SOG teams were unknown to the media and the public, they were very well known to the enemy! The enemy devoted untold resources and efforts to eliminating SOG teams!
In much the same way, even though our efforts to live for Jesus Christ might feel unseen and unnoticed … the enemy (Satan and demons) absolutely know who we are and what we are doing! And the forces of evil are doing everything in their power to take us out!
Additionally, even though the SOG teams were small and vulnerable, they were supported and backed by all the firepower of the U.S military! At a moment’s notice, a SOG team could have “millions and millions of dollars’ worth of air support assets, some of them manned by majors and lieutenant colonels, all giving their courageous best to assist and save the SOG team.”
In much the same way, as a Christian, we might feel small and vulnerable as we face off with unseen forces of evil each day. But make no mistake, we are supported and backed by all the firepower of Heaven’s armies!
The first line of support for the SOG team was Covey! (Covey – flying in a two-engine O-2 Cessna Skymaster – served as the liaison between the SOG teams on the ground and the air strikes which assisted them.) Covey was always there!
No matter where the SOG team was on the ground, Covey was somewhere nearby flying overhead, ready to help.
No matter what the SOG team needed, Covey was there … ready to bring in aerial strike support at a moment’s notice, ready to call in rescue Hueys if needed, or direct an offensive bombing attack!
In much the same way, as a Christian, Covey is the Holy Spirit! The Holy Spirit is always there for us! No matter where we are … the Holy Spirit is available and ready to help! No matter what we need … the Holy Spirit is there! … ready to bring in spiritual strike support at a moment’s notice, ready to call in rescue Hueys if needed, or direct an offensive spiritual counterattack!
All the firepower of Heaven’s armies is available!
We might be deep in enemy territory … but our High Commander, Jesus Christ, has specifically and strategically placed us exactly where He wants us!
We might feel unseen … and vulnerable … but we are backed by all the firepower of Heaven’s armies!
And Covey – the Holy Spirit – is always there for us! Just call out for help! He’s right there!
