Clash of Two Kingdoms
Clash of Two Kingdoms
On the last day of the clergy and spouse mission to Sebei, Uganda, we focused on the question, "Where are you in your ministry?" Several topics were examined, but the team felt led to spend additional time on spiritual warfare and intercessory prayer. Not only did we discuss and guide exercises in those areas, but the mission team also "practiced what we preached."
When God brought down a spirit of repentance earlier in the mission, He did more than reconcile relationships between a bishop and his priests. We learned that, during the session, a woman in attendance was given a vision from God. The vision brought images of a horrific encounter that took place in the diocese some years back. Through this vision, God asked the woman to repent on behalf of two people involved in the crime. But, she did not.
The next day, we received a report about this lady; she was in pain and felt overwhelmed. When we met with her, it was clear she was afflicted by something. Her teeth were chattering as if suffering from hypothermia, yet it was in the upper 70s. She did not have a fever or other illness, but she had a lot of pain in her left side, which started just after the vision. We learned that after the vision, God, in His still small voice, had prompted her to repent on behalf of the two people. But another, louder voice said, "No, don't do it." Then she was struck with pain and fear. The clash of two kingdoms was occurring within her, and a spiritual battle was being waged as we watched.
After fact checking, prayers, and discernment, we guided her to obey God's leading. She prayed a fervent prayer of repentance on behalf of two people in the vision, and in Jesus' name, the team prayed that she be freed from the enemy's spiritual oppression. Soon after, her teeth stopped chattering, and the pain in her side was nearly gone. The next day she was vibrant and happy, testifying that she was fully restored.
We were reminded that the enemy is alive and well, using fear, pain and any means permitted to come against God's Kingdom. By His Spirit, the Lord called this lady to carry out Kingdom work. To what task might He be calling you to accomplish? In Mark 16, Jesus said:
"15...Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.
16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."
On this mission, we witnessed or experienced several miraculous "signs" cited in this passage. We thank God for bringing His word to life, for His faithfulness, and for granting us the authority to be instruments of His love.
