“Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4 ESV)
When Jesus sent out his twelve apostles, he gave them parting instructions and told them what they were to expect as bearers of the good news. He gave them power and authority as his messengers but also warned them about the difficulties they would experience.
He said,
Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. (Matthew 10:16-18)
He was giving his apostles insight into the treatment they would receive from the world, a world which he warned would hate them because it hated him first (John 15:18). They were entering into hostile territory, as it were, and he was instructing them to be prepared for the enemy fire they were going to receive.
Despite the onslaught of the devil and his armies, however, Christ gave a promise that would sustain the twelve—and all the people of God—as they endured suffering and persecution. Before his ascension, he promised, “Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
The life of a Christ-follower this side of glory is one of spiritual warfare, requiring constant vigilance, yet it is not a life of isolation. The call to be a disciple of Christ is not a call to enjoy an easy life but to serve a Lord who will never forsake you. In the most daunting circumstances, the promise “I am with you” plants immovable confidence in the heart of even the feeblest believer. We are weak sheep sent among wolves who would surely tear us apart if not for the continual defense of our Good Shepherd.
The apostle John experienced this firsthand. He offers further encouragement that the war between Christ and the world is not a war between equal powers. We completely reject the dualistic idea that the powers of good and evil rage against one another with the outcome hanging in the balance. The devil may gain victories in battle, but his hope of winning the war is empty because “he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”
The Lord who is calling the nations to himself is the same Lord who sits on his heavenly throne and laughs at the rebellious kings of the earth who set themselves against him (Psalm 2). God is so infinitely more powerful than our adversary that, as Martin Luther said, “one little word shall fell him.”
Is there anything that gives the messengers of God more confidence than that? Is there anything that would strengthen weak knees and bolster fainting spirits more than meditating upon the omnipotence of God? Not only does he uphold the expanses of the universe, but also, “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will” (Proverbs 21:1).
Whether you labor for Christ in the relative peace and security of your own home or you are doing pioneer church planting in the earth’s remotest regions, remembering the truths that you are indwelt by the Holy Spirit and that he who is in you is greater than the strongest powers that oppose him gives a peace that transcends understanding (Philippians 4:6-7).
The spread of the gospel does not depend on your abilities but on the power of God. He will grant success to his Word as he sees fit. He will topple the kingdoms of man when and how he pleases to accomplish the advance of his kingdom. He can, and often does, subdue the schemes of the devil and shut the mouths of the defiant to manifest his glory. The world hates the people of God, but that hatred can accomplish nothing except what God allows. As disciples who go out in the midst of wolves, we go knowing the presence of Christ goes with us, and all his enemies will ultimately cower before the glorious progress of his church.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
We are prone to fear the power of your enemies. Remind us that their opposition is nothing compared to your omnipotence and that even in the darkest places, where we face seemingly insurmountable opposition, you are with us to give success to your Word.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Prayer Requests:
- Tuesday: Pray for an upcoming short-term medical missions trip to Chile as the leadership team recruits participants and prepares to treat bodies and souls.
- Wednesday: Pray for missionaries reaching East Asians for Christ through Sow and Harvest as they translate biblical resources to help people understand, embrace, and hold on to the gospel.
- Thursday: Pray for the ABWE Member Care team as they provide care to missionaries to promote spiritually healthy souls and flourishing, effective ministries.
- Friday: Pray for the ministry of the Belo Children’s Home in Brazil as they care for at-risk girls.
- Saturday: Pray for the radio evangelism of The Gambia Ministries and for the digital resources they produce to provide faithful biblical resources in the local language.
- Sunday: Pray for missionaries serving in Germany to bring the hope of Christ to the hopeless.
- Monday: Pray for missionaries serving with national partners to find creative ways to provide resources and training.
Featured Opportunity to Serve:
Field Internship
Location: Romania
Through this unique internship, you will serve alongside and be mentored by ABWE missionaries in Romania. You will have the opportunity to learn and serve in a variety of ministries, such as evangelism, discipleship, teaching English, children’s ministry, and camp ministry.
