Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Spiritual Warfare: Battling the Prince of Darkness at Planned Parenthood

The Bible is filled with many incredible stories of battles between good and evil. Moses and Pharaoh. David and Goliath. Jesus and Satan in the desert. Angels and demons. These mystical stories of the supernatural world interacting with the natural world are central to the Christian faith, and many of us grew up learning them as children.

Yet in our very secular age, I’m often tempted to believe that the supernatural is reserved for different times and far-off places. While I have no problem accepting that miracles occurred in Egypt and Israel thousands of years ago, how willing am I to acknowledge the same sort of spiritual warfare occurs both in the modern world and in my own life?

Standing outside of Planned Parenthood this past week, it became clear to me: Not only does the supernatural war between good and evil continue in the modern world, but we in 40 Days for Life play a central role in it.

For example, some of you have reported that in the last couple weeks the animosity from the pro-abortion crowd has intensified. Lately, we’ve seen more insults and more middle fingers. And if you had the opportunity to attend the midpoint prayer service Thursday night, you might have noticed a troubled individual who appeared to come out of nowhere, spewing vitriol and hate. Continuing to shout at us, she disappeared into the night as mysteriously as she appeared. Just hours later, another woman drove by the vigil site, delivering a similarly incoherent stream of insults.

These women were so frenzied and unhinged, that I became acutely aware that this anger was not merely human in origin. Forty Days for Life is working, my friends, and Satan is mad. In Madison and across the continent, our lives and souls are being saved. Wounds are being healed. Faith is being strengthened.

As a result, the enemy is unleashing the fury of Hell in the hopes that we might get discouraged, and his steady stream of infant sacrifice may resume unhindered.

The devil’s attacks may force us to our knees, but that’s exactly where the victory is to be won. Like God’s holy men and women in the Sacred Scripture, we will rely on the grace of God to stand strong in the midst of our evil oppressors in this fallen world. We will not back down. We will not be deterred. We will note accept the slaughter of the next generation.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake; for theirs is the Kingdom of God.” –Matthew 5:10

Week in Review

40 Days for Life Midpoint Prayer Service draws enthusiastic crowd
Father Jim Heyd of Priests for Life visits 40 Days for Life
Human Life International Father Thomas Euteneuer headlines Pro-Life Wisconsin’s Annual Auction Dinner
New poll shows more than 9 in 10 Americans want restrictions on abortion
First half of 40 Days for Life saves a confirmed 268 babies nationwide

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