Typically, I discover why questions during my time alone with God. As I sit with Him, I realize I have thoughts, feelings, or behaviors which need attention. Sometimes, however, the questions come through different means. This is what happened last week. A surprising why question came by email. The wrestling began as I read the sender’s words, “I’d like you to explain why you are a fierce warrior.” Instantly I thought, “I am not fierce, and I am definitely not a warrior.”
My imagination went wild as I stared at the email. A fearless woman cloaked in armor, brandishing a sword in each hand, came to mind. Mounted upon a magnificent horse, she swiftly moved across the countryside. People bowed down to her in reverence and awe, seeking protection in her presence. Each victory, assured by her skill, showed in her confidence.
As I thought about the definition of a fierce warrior, I realized I am anything but the person I saw in my mind’s eye.
Do you see yourself as a fierce warrior? Why or why not?
I picture a fierce warrior quickly moving into battle, but I run away from conflict more often than not. Honestly, if I know fighting is ahead, I tend to avoid the situation altogether. Courageous is a word I use to describe others, but not myself. Position me next to a fierce warrior, and there is simply no comparison.
Bringing my thoughts before God, I prayed, “Father, is being a fierce warrior the needed requirement to live victoriously as Your child?”
A couple of days passed, and uncertainty became my companion. I believed God would answer my prayer, but I wondered if the answer might involve a lengthy wait. With all the questions I ask God, some solutions take a longer time to form as I read Scripture and spend time alone with Him in prayer. In this case, God worked through my why wrestling in just a few days. He answered in a way that I believe may help you too.
On Friday, I listened to a message delivered at the Speak Up Conference. The morning speaker, Megan Brown[1], declared, “We are all warriors in the battle of life.” At that moment, in my mind, God led me through all the difficulties I have experienced. I do not want to take time to list the heartaches and trials here because I know you have a list of your own. Life is a battle, and we all have difficult times, just as Megan Brown pointed out in her message.
As God helped me remember each devastating season, I pondered how many times I wanted to give up. Yet, every time I felt I could not take one more step, I held tightly to God. I saw the inability to move forward and the desire to give up as a failure, but God showed me something new. If you struggle to see yourself as a fierce warrior, I hope what God showed me in His Word is a gift to you.
In Ephesians 6:10-18, the Apostle Paul describes the Armor of God. He connects his writing in Ephesians to the book of Isaiah.
Paul references:
- Isaiah 11:5 “Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist, and faithfulness the belt of his loins.”
- Isaiah 52:7 “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’”
- Isaiah 59:17 “He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head; he put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak.”
The fascinating connection to the verses in Isaiah is that Paul recognizes that to put on the armor of God is to put on Jesus himself.
Take a moment to let that sink in.
Paul is teaching in Ephesians 6:10-18, to adorn ourselves with Jesus by the power of His Spirit. The spiritual forces of evil in our world are powerful, but they do not prevail against God. In our fear, we may feel alone and unprotected, but we are not. We withstand the enemy by staying close to God in worship, praise, prayer, and His Word. As we fight to stay close to Him, Jesus fights for us. Our belief in Him at work on our behalf, even when we are afraid and want to give up, is what makes us fierce warriors.
As we come through our heartaches and trials, God is the one people bow to in reverence and awe. He is the one who protects. Each victory, assured by His skill, gives incredible confidence to all who trust in Him.
A fierce warrior in God’s Kingdom is very different than an earthly warrior.
Exodus 14:14
“The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”
Isaiah 41:13 “For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”
Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Your belief in Jesus at work on your behalf makes you a fierce warrior. You may not have all the answers, but with all your might, you believe Him over your fear. If anyone asks you to explain why you are a fierce warrior, remember, you are a fierce warrior because you cling to the One who is.
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