Identifying A Peacemaker Series

Ministry is all about people, and when the Lord lays a calling on your heart it will involve or effect people in some way or another, because it is human beings whom God came to save through Jesus Christ. So, what are you supposed to do when the Lord calls you to a task that will involve working with an unreceptive, or even hostile, group of people? The answer is you need to pray for the Lord the lead you to a key individual who is already on the inside of the group you are trying to reach.

It probably comes as no surprise when I tell you this, because you have already observed this principle in life. For example, you have likely noticed how people acquire a good job by knowing someone on the inside of a company or workplace. Whether you like it or not, none of us is an island unto our self, and if you want to get anything accomplished – including ministry – you have to know the right individuals, and that begins by making an effort to meet new people. Sooner or later you will find a key person who can open doors and make things happen.

I once led a young man to the Lord, not knowing a whole lot about his background. I soon discovered that he had a past with drugs, and was a drummer in a heavy metal band. After receiving Christ, he made a radical turn around, and displayed a great hunger for all that God has to offer. Seeing this, I began spending time with him, answering his questions and making an effort to disciple him; and I started to discover that he literally knew hundreds of people. When I found this out, I had him begin introducing me to some of his friends, and before long we began a Bible study in his home for those of the heavy metal crowd.

When you are entering unfamiliar territory in a calling, it is best to identify an inside man, or one whom the Bible calls a peacemaker. This was the strategy used by Joshua’s men when they first spied out the land of Canaan.

Entering a Hostile Territory (vv. 1-4)

1 Now Joshua the son of Nun sent out two men from Acacia Grove to spy secretly, saying, “Go, view the land, especially Jericho.” So they went, and came to the house of a harlot named Rahab, and lodged there. 2 And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, “Behold, men have come here tonight from the children of Israel to search out the country.” 3 So the king of Jericho sent to Rahab, saying, “Bring out the men who have come to you, who have entered your house, for they have come to search out all the country.”

Joshua told the two men to go and “spy secretly” (v. 1). They were to go in secret, because they were entering into hostile territory and would be met with resistance should they be discovered. Note how the king of Jericho demanded their capture, revealing his disdain.

Whenever you are getting ready to enter the land to claim what God has promised, you must keep in mind that not everyone will share your enthusiasm. When you begin taking new territory for the Lord, you begin to upset comfort levels; as you are accompanied by the power of the Holy Spirit, who convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8). People will resist change, they will resist the Lord, they will resist repentance, and they will resist your ministry efforts; so keep in mind that you probably should not go out broadcasting your big plans to everyone whom you encounter.

You will be entering into hostile territory and you will begin meeting with resistance, because – whether you realize it or not – you have chosen to engage in spiritual battle. Notice how Joshua sent the men to especially spy out the city of Jericho (v. 1). He did so because it was an impregnable stronghold, and a base of operations for the enemy. Whenever you begin advancing and claiming territory for the Lord, you too will encounter strongholds of resistance; and these strongholds will be spiritual in nature, and ultimately commanded by your enemy, the devil.

Spiritual strongholds take hold in people’s minds. Neil Anderson defines “strongholds” as fleshly thought patterns that were programmed into a person’s mind when he or she learned to live independently of God.(1) As people attempt to defend their sinful beliefs, and maintain their decision to live apart from God, they will resist you tooth and nail. Be encouraged, however, that you can overcome, for 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, says, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”