What about being a warrior for the Lord? We often think of a warrior as someone in the military fighting a battle but being a warrior for the Lord involves a spiritual battle. The Apostle Paul writes about this spiritual battle in Ephesians. Paul calls us to depend on the Lord and to put on His spiritual armor.
Ephesians 6:10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil.[1]
Jael was a Warrior for the Lord in the Physical Realm
Jael was a woman the Lord called to battle against the enemies of Israel in nontraditional way. With a single blow she defeated the general of the army of the Canaanites using the skills that she was given. Jael gave the general shelter when Sisera was on the run and after he had gone to sleep, she ended his life with one blow.
Judges 5:24 “Most blessed among women is Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite. May she be blessed above all women who live in tents. 25 Sisera asked for water, and she gave him milk. In a bowl fit for nobles, she brought him yogurt. 26 Then with her left hand she reached for a tent peg, and with her right hand for the workman’s hammer. She struck Sisera with the hammer, crushing his head. With a shattering blow, she pierced his temples. 27 He sank, he fell, he lay still at her feet. And where he sank, there he died. [2]
The Lord is calling You to be a Warrior for Him
What is your mission? Where is God calling you to be a warrior? Are you ready for the battle? You may not realize it, but the battle is all around you. We live in a culture that fights against God and His purposes every day. Ten years ago, you would not think of more than two genders, yet this is what we are dealing with today.
Do you have children? Your mission is to teach them, to lead them, and to protect them. If you have a spouse, your mission is to fight for your marriage in a world that does not value marriage. Your mission as a Christian is to stand firm for Jesus by not wavering in the daily battle. This can be difficult because the ongoing battle can wear you down. When we are weary, we are more susceptible to temptation and defeat. In addition, we need to be warriors that refresh themselves in praise, prayer, and mediation in the word.
Your mission is to be a person of character that stands up for the Lord. Jael rose to the occasion in an unlikely way, and you can also. In your workplace, your mission is to not cut corners or to cheat someone or to do whatever it takes to make a dollar. Your mission is to show Jesus to a world that does not know Him very well, if at all.
Prayer in the Spiritual Battle
Even as I write this, I want to be a better warrior for the Lord. Maybe you feel the same way. The good news is the Lord is in the business of encouraging His children so they can fulfill the plans He has for them. Being a warrior for the Lord involves prayer.
Ephesians 6:18Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. [3] A true warrior depends on the Lord and knows the battle first begins on our knees.
To hear more about being a warrior for the Lord, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/faith-makes-a-difference-barak
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.