I confess that I’ve been feeling low lately. It has taken me a while to put my finger on it, but I think I know why there is a looming ache that I’m usually not prone to experiencing. I don’t want to be a Debbie Downer or doomsdayer, but the world we live in is a much darker place than I realized. I would never describe myself as a Pollyanna or someone who couldn’t handle a bad truth. But recent news has shown depravity in our world that is hard to digest. Even right now I am struggling to write those words because I much prefer to talk about positive things and speak an encouraging word. And so far, these words don’t sound very encouraging. Our writing group is called Good Word Project, and I just opened this post like Chicken Little.

However, I don’t want to waste the opportunity to speak into this time in which we are living. Acts 17:26 assures us that we are living at this exact time according to God’s purpose, “From one man He made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.” Since God chose me to live in this time and He has also called me to be His, I must take a different posture than whoa-is-me upon finding out the world is just as bad as the Bible promised it would be.

We are not in neutral territory

John Eldredge, my favorite author and podcaster, has a theme that is central to his ministry: We live in a fallen world, behind enemy lines, on a spiritual battlefield. The first time I read this, it was like a rescue to my heart. I think we usually think of this earth as neutral ground. Heaven above is perfect and holy, and Hell, below, is evil. We think we live in the literal and spiritual neutral middle ground. However, scripture does not teach that this world is neutral. In Romans 8:22 Paul reminds us, “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pain of childbirth right up to the present time.” And 1 Peter 5:8 tells us that “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” No, there is nothing neutral about this world.

If we operate like we live in a peaceful, perfect world, a world in which there is not a battle for our souls, we will not weather the storm when the weapons of discouragement, lies, and all kinds of hurt enter our lives. It is good to be reminded we are behind enemy lines. I know this is not a topic some people want to focus on, but it has helped me be alert to the schemes that try to derail me.

We are behind enemy lines, but we are not prisoners of war.  

We have an enemy that is hell-bent on making us believe God is not real, or if He is, He doesn’t love us, isn’t good, can’t be trusted, and certainly isn’t worthy of our worship. That is our enemy in a nutshell, and he’s got a great track record as the Prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2) whose aim is to thwart the plans God has for each of His children.

Ah, but that’s not the most important part of the story. The most important part is that we have a Savior, and we’ve been called and redeemed to live a life on assignment behind enemy lines. We are on the side that’s already won. Battles still must be fought in this fallen world, but we don’t have to wonder about the outcome. Peter reminds us to stand up straight, put our shoulders back and live in the victory that is assured: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9). Just a few verses later, Peter reminds us that we are in foreign territory and urges Believers in Jesus to live such good lives among the pagans so they will see our good deeds and glorify God.

The Bible has a lot to say about operating and flourishing behind enemy lines, but there is one key element that stands out to me in scripture that I want to make sure to highlight, underscore, and surround with flashing lights. In John 17:11-12, Jesus is praying to the Father right before He goes to the cross. Jesus knows He will be leaving His disciples, whom He loves immensely, and so He prays for their protection in enemy territory when He is gone. He prays, “Holy Father, protect them by the power of Your name – the name You gave Me – so that they may be one as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name You gave Me (emphasis mine).” Our flourishing is literally in the name of Jesus. It’s Jesus that calls us out of this world and it is by His holy name we are protected and can operate behind enemy lines.

After His resurrection, in Jesus’ first meeting with the disciples, He shows them His hands and side that had been pierced. Even so, He tells His beloved disciples, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you” (John 20:21). Jesus fulfilled His assignment; He then trusted them with one. And He is trusting us with an assignment in this hour.

So what is our assignment? Jesus was asked the same question and this was His answer: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” And our secondary assignment is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-40). How different would our world look if we lived to love God and love others? 

We are seeing it play out in real time: This world is rough. We are living behind enemy lines, but we are not prisoners of war. We are on assignment and victory is assured. It’s time for each Believer to walk in the truth and flourish behind enemy lines.

John 15:18-19, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.”

Dear Lord, Thank You for choosing this time for us to be on this earth. You appointed us to live on Your purpose. Jesus, please give us supernatural courage as we live behind enemy lines. May we flourish as foreigners on assignment in this world. Your word says You search the earth to strengthen those who love You (2 Chronicles 16:9). We love You, Lord, strengthen us for Your glory. Maranatha! In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.