How would you like to be in the air force? Not the USAF, but in God’s air force? You don’t even have to leave home to join up.

For the past 25 years, we’ve lived in Colorado Springs, home of the US Air Force Academy, two air bases (Peterson & Schriever), and the Space Command. While I’ve never been in the military, I’ve picked up a few facts just by rubbing elbows with our friends and neighbors.

One thing I learned is that, when there’s a war, and territory needs to be taken,  the air force is sent in first.  Their assault reduces or even eliminates the enemy’s  resistance, making it easier for the ground troops who follow. As Christians, we can use the same strategy when fighting a spiritual war.

We who follow Jesus are fighting a war, “not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12) Yes, Jesus already won the ultimate victory, but there are still battles to be fought. There are many parts of the world that are completely held by the enemy.

Here in the West, we at least have the option of visiting a church, reading a Bible, or asking a believer about their faith. But in these enemy-held territories, there are no churches, Bibles, or believers. It’s not that no one has tried to bring the gospel to these places. Many have tried—and failed.

The part of the world most resistant to the gospel was long known as the “resistant belt.” You may know it better as the 10/40 Window—the part of the world with the most needs, both physical and spiritual, and the least resources. For hundreds of years, missionaries have attempted to make God known in these places, but with little success. It’s almost as if a veil had been drawn across the peoples’ eyes, preventing them from seeing God, from hearing and understanding His desire for relationship.

Then, back in 1993, a massive prayer movement was started that continues to this day. The archived website describes that happened:

More than 20 million intercessors, from 105 nations, to pray for the 10/40 Window countries during the month of October, 1993. Teams from 32 nations actually visited the 10/40 Window countries to pray on-site in what are called Prayer Journeys.

The spiritual response within the Window was immediate. Countries from West to East reported signs of greater freedom for the Gospel. Key national leaders experienced dreams and visions of Christ. Demonic powers were weakened.

Most exciting was the huge increase in decisions for Christ. Suddenly, the veil had been removed and people were able to clearly see and respond to the gospel. If you’ve ever wondered if prayer makes a difference, these results are self-evident!

Why prayer? Because our war is spiritual, our weapons also need to be spiritual. Prayer is the air assault that “softens the ground” and makes straight the paths for those who follow on foot.

Do you want to be a part of bringing the kingdom of God into the darkest places on the planet? God may be calling you to leave home and go. Or He may be recruiting you to join his air force. Your prayers can prepare the way for the gospel.

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If you want to read about more of God’s answers to prayer for the 62 nations of the 10/40 Window, check out this list on the WIN website.