Chariots of Fire
By Dick Eastman


I know we’d all be shocked if we could see what’s happening in the spiritual realm that surrounds us. The apostle Paul reveals that our daily lives are part of an intense struggle, “not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).

Daniel chapter 10 gives unique insight into the nature of this spiritual warfare. In this chapter an angel who came to minister to Daniel says that his journey had been hindered for 21 days by “the prince of the kingdom of Persia” (Daniel 10:13). There is obviously more going on in the world around us than meets the eye. In the book of II Kings we get another amazing glimpse of the invisible realm. In an attempt to capture the prophet Elisha, the king of Syria sends troops by night to surround the city of Dothan. The next morning, Elisha’s servant sees the army and despairs, telling Elisha that they are trapped. Elisha’s calm response to the situation is at first puzzling to the servant: “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them” (II Kings 6:16). As far as the servant could see, there were no troops on their side to fight the Syrian army. Elisha then prayed that the servant’s eyes would be opened so he could see something unusual in the spiritual realm. In verse 17 we read, “And the Lord opened the servant’s eyes and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” Once again, the “invisible” hosts of heaven were there. In Daniel and II Kings we get just a glimpse of the spiritual powers who are battling over the nations. It’s just a glimpse, but enough of one to make us aware that there is a very real war being waged around us.

As members of Christ’s Body, and as people who are actively involved in reaching the lost with the Gospel, we have entered into this deadly battle. The only way I know how to survive is by spending a lot of time on our knees in prayer. In answer to Daniel’s prayers, an angel appeared. Who knows how many angels the Lord sends out in answer to our prayers that we are never even aware of. That’s why it’s so important to pray for EHC workers who are on the front lines, invading enemy territories and reaching the lost with the Gospel day to day. They can use some powerful angels on their side! In league with our prayers, our gifts provide the physical “weapons of warfare” EHC workers use in the battle—gospel booklets, Bible-study lessons and basic field support to help sustain them through the daily battles they face. The spiritual battle around us is very real and very deadly, but we can win great victories if we pray with humility and fight on as if we had angels beside us, leading the way. Who knows—maybe we do!