God wants his army to fight spiritual battles to turn back the tide of darkness in our land
By Philip Quenby.
One of my great heroes is Admiral Lord Nelson, the hero of Trafalgar, where, in 1805, the British defeated the combined French and Spanish fleets. And it was at Trafalgar that this great naval commander gave his life for his country (he had already lost an eye and an arm in battle).
Less well known is that this courageous, patriotic leader was also a wonderful Christian (despite the way he treated his wife).
On the eve of the battle of Trafalgar, Nelson wrote this prayer in his journal: “May the Great God, whom I worship, grant to my country, and for the benefit of Europe in general, a great and glorious victory; and may no misconduct in anyone tarnish it; and may humanity after victory be the predominant feature in the British fleet…” It could almost be the template for our nation as we step into what the LORD purposes for us in these end times. Particularly, Nelson is remembered for his inspirational leadership and tactical innovations. (Photo – Admiral Lord Nelson. Nelson was a decorated British national hero. His last words, attested by three sources, were, “Thank God I have done my duty”
Credit: historyhit.com)
Was he receiving God’s strategies for victory? Events worldwide show this is a warfare season – a time not just for warring in the physical, but also for warring spiritually. In war, there should be no neutrality and no passivity. God wants his army to fight spiritual battles to turn back the tide of darkness in our land. For sure, there are some things only he can do, but there are other tasks he expects his people to undertake, and he will not do what he has given us power and authority to perform. This is why he admonished Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.” (Exodus 14:15).
We need to shed unnecessary baggage like denominationalism, ego, theology that is at odds with the full, unadulterated Word of God, and, last but not least, a defeatist mentality
It is key for us to understand that, though Jesus has won the victory, we need to apply this victory by manifesting (acting out, demonstrating, displaying) the Kingdom of God we carry within us. If we fail to do so, his power within us remains only latent. We see an example of this when Jehoshaphat was told, “The battle is not yours, but God’s … You will not have to fight this battle” (2 Chronicles 20:15 and 17).
Yet Israel still had to “Take up [their] positions; stand firm … [and] go out to face [the enemy]” (2 Chronicles 20:17). Likewise, when the LORD gave Canaan to the Israelites, they had to go to war to possess it.
Indeed, the Great Commission is a call to war. It involves missions into enemy territory and robbing the house of the strong man, and we are the ones tasked with carrying this commission out. Nothing has changed in the meantime, so even though we may have no prior battle experience, we must now allow God to teach us warfare (Judges 3:1-2). We must not let fear put us off.
It is certainly the case that dangers lurk if we are unprepared, go beyond our authority, or have chinks in our spiritual armour Satan can exploit. But if we prepare ourselves properly, make correct use of the weapons God has given, and act according to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, he will give the victory. The LORD has given us power of attorney to use the name of Jesus, and has furnished us with every piece of kit we need.
In war, there should be no neutrality and no passivity
Sometimes we over-complicate or over-spiritualise prayer warfare, but at heart it is very simple. It can be helpful to draw parallels with war in the natural. Basic training starts with weapons handling and drill – spiritual disciplines like meditating on Scripture, developing a regular habit of confession and repentance so we keep short accounts with God, praising and giving thanks in all things, service and giving, fasting and praise. In the field, we need to respond according to the weather (spiritual season) and terrain (events that affect a given area). We should be alert to what the physical tells us about the spiritual, and know our enemy.
And we must learn to work as a unit, exercising proper military discipline so the full firepower of God’s army is brought to bear. Reconnaissance and scouting have their part to play, and we must know how to take strongholds and withstand siege. Specialist capabilities include tearing down and raising altars, cleansing the land, deliverance and healing.
Here are seven basic principles to keep in mind:
- Nothing is automatic when it comes to prayer warfare. There must be action to apply the victory Jesus has already won, and a manifestation of the Kingdom of God we carry within us.
- Keep things simple. The power and authority of the name of Jesus is more than sufficient for all our warfare.
- Observe military discipline, and be alert for enemy counterattack. After every breakthrough, Satan will try to minimise the damage by sowing division, dissent, deceit, doubt, and confusion.
- Be clear about what relates to warfare and what does not. For example, taking communion may be useful in terms of asserting our unity in Christ and the fact we are in blood covenant with him, but it is not of itself offensive warfare.
- Be flexible and adaptable. It is not about using clever techniques, but being channels for the power of God, and holders of power of attorney to speak and act on behalf of the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Travel light and stay teachable. We need to shed unnecessary baggage like denominationalism, ego, theology that is at odds with the full, unadulterated Word of God, and a defeatist mentality.
- Combine prayer and action. There is special power in the coming together of Word and Spirit, in the doing of the Word as well as the speaking of it.
Admiral Nelson was a decorated British national hero. His last words, attested by three sources, were, “Thank God I have done my duty” Credit: historyhit.comWe are being called to stand in the gap in repentance for our communities, since it is repentance that brings remission of sin and takes away the legal excuse Satan relies on to occupy territory. The LORD is moving with power across our nation, and we have the privilege of being his co-workers. If we do not join with him, we will not see the fullness of what he longs to bring. (Photo – Nelson’s signal at the battle of Trafalgar, “England expects that every man will do his duty”. Credit Tkgd2007 / Commons)
Will we, like Nelson, be able to say, “I have done my duty”?
For more information, see ‘Preparing for battle: a prayer warfare manual’ by Philip Quenby, available through Prayer Warriors International at info@prayerwarriors.org.uk
(Photo – Philip Quenby and the plaque of one of his heroes, Lord Nelson)