First of all, let me say that, as far as I know, I do not have the gift of prophecy. However, I do have the definite feeling that the church is on the threshold of what I believe will be a major spiritual conflict! As I look around the internet and speak with other Christians, both online and off, it appears that I am not the only one who feels this way. Lines are being drawn, and sides are being chosen. I believe we are about to engage in, if not the final, then one of the final spiritual battle for souls that the church will be involved in during the "time of the Gentiles."

Now, more than any time in recent history, I believe Christians everywhere need to take a stand. Any who consider themselves to be, or wish to be, prayer warriors need to immerse themselves in the word of God, and prepare themselves for a massive wide-ranging spiritual battle. For each warrior, the preparations will be slightly different, as we each have our different strengths and weaknesses. For all warriors and all true Christians, the word of God, the Bible, will be absolutely essential. I believe the time is quickly approaching when both Christians and non-Christians alike will be subjected to oppression, deception, and temptation as never before.

Recently in Bible study, during the prayer time, we asked for a word of wisdom, knowledge, or prophecy from the Lord. As we waited, Darius the Mede came into my mind. The name was familiar, but I couldn't remember why, so I looked him up in my Bible. For those who don't remember, Darius the Mede was the king who had Daniel thrown into the lions' den. Daniel refused to follow the king's decree that the only prayers during the next 30 days were to be directed to the king instead of God. Daniel was a symbol of the true worshippers of the Lord in his day. For his faith, he was subjected to what amounted to certain death. But because of his faith in God, the Lord kept him safe through it all.

I believe the Lord is trying to tell us that we are about to enter a time when true Christians are going to be faced with a similar choice. Will you follow God, or will you follow the world? If we choose God, as we should, then I think we will come under severe persecution and spiritual attacks. However, just as the Lord preserved Daniel through his ordeal in the lions' den, so will the Lord preserve and protect those that rely on Him and place their complete trust and faith in Him. We need to be prepared for this. It is time for Christians to stop sitting idly by and watching the world, and instead start to take action.

I'm not talking about physical action, or some kind of political action. I'm talking about a spiritual revolution. Ephesians 6:12 tells us, "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." Our battles are not going to be against our fellow man, but against spiritual oppression and deception. Physical weapons will be useless in this conflict. The only weapon which will prevail is "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

Just as one must train and practice to gain proficiency with any weapon, be it gun, sword, knife, or any other, so must we train with the word of God. Do this by reading His word, and then reading it again, and then again. Place His word in your hearts. Begin memorizing verses that deal with the power of the Lord to overcome evil, to protect those who love Him, and any other verses that you find particularly uplifting or encouraging. There may come a time when you will be subjected to spiritual attack, and you might not have a Bible handy to look up a verse for your situation. This is why we need to have His word etched on our hearts. We need to know it so well that it becomes second nature for us to turn to God's word first, before anything else. Then, and only then, will we be truly equipped to engage the enemy.

"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."
Ephesians 6:13

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh. (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds;)"
2Corinthians 10:3-4