Rise Up, O Mighty Warrior!

As I look around at our society today—the chaos, the calamity, the upheaval—I wonder how people without the help of Jesus continue to carry on. Then as I observe people, talk to people, listen to their conversations, I discover very quickly that most people are simply oblivious to what is happening around about. I find that “media overload” has created a society of people who really have no clue what is going on outside their own little world. I am amazed at the lack of knowledge people have about what our government is up to, the direction our nation is heading, or pretty much anything else going on.

But, then, as I delve deeper into people’s thoughts, I find that most individuals are simply in despair and would rather not know what is happening outside their little realm. I discover that life has become so difficult for many that attempting to step outside their own  little comfort-zone has become unbearable. We have raised up a society of people who’s fears of the unknown now outweigh their desire to step out and be all God has called and purposed them to be. And, yet, that continues to be what God has called we the church to do. God has called us to step out and make a difference, impact our world, turn our world upside down for Jesus—but, if fear dictates our lives, we will never be able to fulfill all God desires from us.

I’m reminded of one particular individual in Scripture who was asked to step out of his fears—his comfort-zone, his boat, his box, his own personal safety zone—and do mighty works for the Lord. The Angel of the Lord appeared to this man who was hiding from the troubles that his nation were in and the Angel declared: “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior” (Judges 6:12). His immediate response was filled with excuses of his weaknesses, failures and inabilities. But, God saw something more in Gideon. He saw a man who could change his world. He saw a man through whom God could carry out great and mighty works.

Today, God sees that same ability in you—not because of you but because you become willing to be emptied of self and filled with His Spirit! You have all kinds of excuses about why God can’t use you, but God sees into your heart and life today. God sees an individual through whom He can carry out great works—if you will but surrender completely to His will and purpose. Quit looking for what you have to gain and start looking at what the Kingdom of God has to gain through your simply obedience unto God.

As Gideon prepared to take on an army that was beyond counting, he brought together a great number of Israelite warriors. However, God wanted to display His power and might and began to whittle down that number. The Scripture tells us: “The Lord said to Gideon, ‘I will deliver you with the 300 men who lapped and hand the Midianites over to you. But everyone else is to go home'” (Judges 7:7). The Lord delivered the Israelites that night without even a fight. Because of his obedience, Gideon proved to be the mighty warrior the Angel had called him from the beginning.

You are that “Mighty Warrior” today! Your life may look terrible; your world may be in total chaos; but, God sees your potential today. Step out in faith. Trust Him to lead you to the victory He has called you to. Be obedient. Our world needs Godly warriors today fighting the forces of evil that have encamped about us. Rise up, o man or woman of God, and become His warrior today!