I was twenty years old when I flew to Taiwan for the first time.
Since I had spent most of my life on a farm, landing in a city of 3 million was quite an experience.
As the summer progressed, I began to realize that it wasn’t only the sights and sounds that were unique. I could feel the difference in my soul even with my eyes closed. There was a whole varying spirit that seemed to rule the air.
In America, I had struggled with materialism, distraction and gluttony to name a few.
Yet, here in Taiwan, I found that a new stirring seemed to tempt me. Fear, despair and hopelessness seemed to crouch at every corner. I noticed these not only in my own emotions and thoughts, but also in the eyes of those around me.
Today, after many overseas experiences and many years of prayer, I’m convinced of the following spiritual principle:
The evil one has different spirits ruling over different communities.
Now, we know that satan has a limited and temporary rule over the kingdoms of the world (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11). He even had the audacity to offer these kingdoms over to the Lord if Jesus would only bow down to worship the devil (Matthew 4:8-9).
We would also agree that the evil one has the power to influence people (Ephesians 2:2). He spends an inordinate amount of time roaming around looking for ways to deceive and devour (Job 1:7; 1 Peter 4:8). His whole purpose is to deceive this world in every way possible (Revelation 12:9; 1 John 5:19).
But, did you realize that the evil one is also very organized? He has taken darkness to an extensive, organizational level by setting up rulers over families, powers over cities, world forces over regions and spiritual forces over nations (Ephesians 6:12). There is a spiritual oppression in Taiwan because fear is one of the princes over “the power of the (Taiwan) air“ (Ephesians 2:2).
Do you deal with gluttony?
It’s because he is one of the princes in your region.
Are you worried one moment and apathetic the next?
It’s because distraction rules the air around you.
Does this news cause you to despair?
See? That too isn’t from the Spirit of God (2 Timothy 1:7).
Remember: our Ruler is “far above all (other) rule and authority and power and dominion.” He is far above “every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in the one to come.” (Ephesians 1:21). All of these rulers and powers are already in subjection under His feet (Ephesians 1:22). It’s a done deal! Christ has already won the victory (1 Corinthians 15:57).
Don’t you want to live above this corrupted place where governmental spirits are put in place by satan?
Well, good news. As His siblings, we have already been raised up with Him and are seated with Him in the heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6).
What better reason to be praying daily that the Lord would open our eyes to see spiritual Truth (Psalm 119:18)?
That’s what I’m praying for myself today. Wanna join me?
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More posts about seeing spiritual Truth:
First Steps of Kingdom Perspective
.