Prepare for war. Not a war that involves guns, swords or any kind of man made weapons. It is a spiritual war, and we must prepare to fight. In Chapter 6, the Author under the heading 'Fire' reveals:
The Longer I walk with the Lord, the more I realize my total helplessness. I am nothing! I can do nothing! Anything that is accomplished is done by the Lord, and by Him only. I cannot command God, I am His servant. I am only a channel for Him to use as He wants. It is my privilege to be used, but I cannot decide when, how, or where God will use me. I cannot fight any battle unless my Captain (Jesus Christ) commands me to do so. If I go into any battle without the specific command of my captain to do so, I am sure to lose! God is God! If anything marks the Christian church of today, I would say it is rebellion against this one simple fact.
People are frantically running around from ministry to ministry, preacher to preacher, trying to find prayer styles, formulas of belief, claims of faith, positive confession, etc., to force God to do what they want done when they want it done. I never cease to be amazed, everywhere we go to speak, the most commonly asked question is "How can I have victory over Satan so that my finances (or health) will improve?" These brothers and sisters are completely unwilling to accept the possibility that they may be suffering because of their stand for the Lord. They are unwilling to accept any suffering, financial or otherwise.
I suppose the truest test of any servant of the Lord is for him or her to be quiet and accept that he Lord does not want to use them in a particular situation. How many are willing to step back and support another brother or sister to minister instead of himself?
How many of God's servants push ahead according to their own thoughts and strength assuming that of course the Lord is going to use them in every situation in which they find themselves? We
can do nothing ahead of, or apart from, the Lord. We must wait until our Captain tells us to move. Most workers go ahead on their own, thinking they can use Christ;s authority as they want. How wrong they are. We must come into agreement with the Lord's prayer.
"Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven..." (Matthew 6:9,10)
This, is the stumbling block of ages! Father, thy will be done. Not my will, but God's will. It sounds so simple, but oh how difficult it is for our sinful flesh to carry it out! We pray for power, but lack obedience. We want power without fire. Many are the teachings and the "tarryings" for a "baptism by the Holy Spirit," but those same brothers and sisters are unwilling to deal with self and the sins in their lives. Too many minister out of a desire to draw attention to themselves instead of the Lord. There is no substitution for holiness and total commitment in the life of God's servant.
Who are we to think we can share in God's glory or receive acclaim for doing God's work?
"I am the Lord: That is my name: and my glory will I not give to another..." Isaiah 42:8
I challenge everyone who consider himself or herself to be a servant of God with the following questions. Do you expect or demand to travel to speaking engagements, etc., in your own private jet or by first class air travel? Do you expect or demand to be lodged in first class hotel/motel accommodations? Do you demand payment for your time above and beyond your food and lodging? If the answer to any or all of these is "Yes" then I am bold enough to tell you that you are not a true servant of God!
What are the conditions under which Jesus commanded his disciples to carry the good news of God's kingdom?
"And He called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits; and commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse: But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats. And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place." (Mark 6:7-10)
"After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. Therefore said he uno them...Carry neither purse, nor script, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way. And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: If not, it shall turn to you again. And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give; for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house. And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you." (Luke 10:1-8)
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