A friend wanted to show me a meaningful object they received. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a Challenge Coin.
The concept of a Challenge Coin was not completely unfamiliar to me, but also not vividly clear. In these moments, Wikipedia can be a friend.
Traditionally, they might be given to prove membership when asked and to enhance morale. They are also collected by service members and law enforcement personnel. Historically, challenge coins were presented by unit commanders in recognition of special achievement by a member of the unit.
Members of the organization are challenged occasionally to pull out their coin and prove their membership. This usually involved slapping it down on a table, or repeatedly banging it on a table.
My friend's coin was unique. it was not for military service, or for being a police officer or firefighter. This one was spiritual in nature. It is based on Ephesians 6, the passage about the armor of God.
We daily face a challenge. The passage starts this way:
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
You can read the whole passage here.
We fight a daily battle with cosmic, evil forces, but we live like our challenge is all just flesh and blood, the physical plain.
I love that Paul writes this motivational, lofty message about spiritual warfare and ends by saying, pray for me too.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Maybe we should see prayer as throwing down our Challenge Coin. It is time to slam it on the table or repeatedly tap it to ask others to join us in warfare prayer. It is time for satan and his minions to hear the clanking of our prayers and to know we finally get it; we are fighting on a cosmic level.
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one.
Let's fight the good fight of faith today! It is time to pray.
Today's Prayer Focus
I am aware of several situation that are warfare level situations. Would you join me in the fight against the enemy for these people today? In each case I will simply call the person a friend. I will be vague enough to veil identity and specific enough that you know how to pray. The Spirit knows the details. He will fill in the blanks with the Father.
- I have a friend who works for a "Christian" organization. This group has ceased to really stand for God or anything biblical. Day after day this friend faces corruption and evil that should never take place anywhere, let alone in a place claiming to do the work of Christ. Pray for strength to stand when others deny Jesus. Pray for courage to expose corruption. Pray as my friend confronts moral drift that looks more like this evil world than Jesus. Pray for the Spirit's power to overcome vile evil.
- I have a friend who must have a hard talk with someone they love about a decision they are making that will ruin their life if they move forward. Pray for the Spirit to give the right words, and the compassion and courage to deliver the words.
- I have several friends who are walking with family members who are severely depressed. This is creating chaos in the family system. Pray for God to intervene and bring those who are severely depressed back to a sound mind.
- I have a friend who is in an intense addiction battle. The point of decision is here: embrace God and change or embrace addiction and the consequences. Pray for those surrounding my friend as they walk this difficult journey together.
- I have a friend who is being physically abused and is excusing it. There is still time to walk away. Pray that the wise decision would be made.
- Now pray your warfare prayer. Who in your life needs you to throw down the Challenge Prayer? If you want, hit reply and send it to me. I will join in prayer you.