Not long ago, after an extensive career in finance, the Lord made it abundantly clear that He wanted me to join ICR. I took the position with great anticipation, relishing the opportunity to devote my energy to working with donors in laying up everlasting "treasures in heaven" (Matthew 6:20). Mentally I knew the learning curve would be steep, and ICR's strategic move to Texas would make it doubly challenging. But I had experienced similar situations before in business, and with faith and perseverance I claimed God's promise that "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13).
Then the "fiery darts" started to hiss past my head (Ephesians 6:16). They were subtle at first--a printing delay here, a computer glitch there--nothing major, just a few minor irritations. Over time, however, these minor irritations accumulated one on top of the other to the point where I was mystified as to what was going on. Granted, ICR had monumental changes to conquer as we settled into our new Dallas home--new staff to hire and train, office equipment to acquire and set up, vendors to establish relationships with, etc. But we had highly competent people working long hours on these problems--surely we could overcome these issues! But the harder we worked, with precious little progress to show for it, I found myself muttering, "It just shouldn't be this hard!" to no one in particular as concerned staff members avoided me in the halls.
Slowly, it dawned on me that our efforts were being hindered by a completely different source. I had experienced spiritual warfare before, but never to this extent and never this directly. And with this realization, Paul's admonition to the believers in Ephesus came to mind:
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12)
Suddenly, everything made sense. As frustrating as it was at the time, this truth confirmed in my mind that ICR's purpose and mission were squarely within the refuge of God's will, and the "rulers of the darkness of this world" were doing everything in their power to stop us. The Scriptures promise that "many are the afflictions of the righteous" (Psalm 34:19), and "all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2 Timothy 3:12). But "greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4)! How wonderfully comforting to know our Lord will prevail no matter what our adversary throws at us!
So what does all this mean to you, our readers? Not much--if issues of eternal value and worth are of little importance to you. But to our donors and prayer warriors across the globe, the fact that our adversary is temporarily allowed to disrupt our routine business operations is confirmation that ICR remains on the path of His truth. The pursuit and communication of His truth is the singular focus of ICR s work, a mission of such breadth and depth that our resources are often stretched thin. However, we will endeavor to continue this work as long as the Lord enables. If you can help financially, please do; the rewards will be eternal. But above all, please pray for us--pray for our scientists, who through various research projects seek to uncover irrefutable evidence of His mighty hand; pray for our faculty, who through our graduate school will train the next generation of leaders; and pray for our speakers and our publication, radio, and museum programs, that they can continue to communicate His message of salvation and redemption through the wonders of His creation.
* Mr. Morris is Director of Donor Relations.
Cite this article: Morris IV, H. 2008. Darts, Darkness, and Donors. Acts & Facts. 37 (5): 17.
