Called to be Warriors

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Egw65U99qjU

Revival Anthem ~ Rend Collective

 

Benaiah… went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. And he struck down a huge Egyptian… And David put him in charge of his bodyguard. ~ 2 Samuel 23:20-21, 23 NIV

 

Mark Batterson's In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day tells the story of a man who saw possibilities—not problems—when faced with challenges. Instead of running from (and likely being eaten by) a lion, Benaiah chased it into a pit and killed it! Rather than cowering when facing a huge Egyptian, Benaiah fought and killed the Egyptian with his own spear. Those are two instances where "normal" people would have run away or cowered. We weren't called to be normal. We're called to be Christ-like: MORE THAN CONQUERORS, OVERCOMERS, VICTORS, and HIS!

 

In this season of many unknowns, don't forget who you are and to Whom you belong. Bought, but not a slave. Chosen to be a child of inheritance. As a co-heir with Christ, we have access to His power and authority. With His power and authority, God calls things that are not as though they were and calls dry bones to live. Through Jesus, He enables us to share in His power, so that we will shine His light into the lives of many and bring Him glory.

 

But the devil doesn't want God getting glory, which is why he's working overtime to keep you defeated, full of fear, and down for the count! But like Benaiah, we're called for greater things. We've not been given a spirit of a coward, but of a warrior! We don't seek a fight, but we won’t back down when the lion roars or the giants threaten. As Priscilla Shirer says in Fervent,

Aren’t you in the least bit curious what the devil is trying to keep you from experiencing? In Exodus 14, when Moses and the Israelites were hemmed in by the Red Sea and the Egyptians, God said, “Do not fear!” In other words, don’t wallow in it. Don’t choose it. Don’t make friends with it. Don’t entertain it or engage it. If they did, they’d risk not sticking around long enough to experience God’s miracle.

 

Don't ever give up - but be encouraged. When the challenges arise, know that you've been strengthened to stand your ground, and to chase and kill the lions in your path. Remember, oh child of the Most High God, you are a warrior!

©Heather Potts 2020

Take Your Stand

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuS9T3yXPWo

I Will Not be Moved ~ Natalie Grant

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ~ Ephesians 6:11 NIV

Yesterday tried to knock me down. Some events happened which were reminiscent of a battle we fought years ago. But God, who is ever faithful, held us, then. He pulled us to our feet, again (literally), and set us on solid ground. Yesterday, I told the devil that I wasn’t doing that, again, that I would not lose!

Perhaps you think me too bold or too naïve to dare say those things, even to the devil. But why should I cower? I am a warrior facing a battle. I know my Victor. I see Him standing with me. I hear the battle cry throughout scripture:

When you go to war against your enemies and see…an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them… “For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” ~ Deuteronomy 20:1-4 NIV

“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” …Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire… ~ 2 Kings 6:15-17 NIV

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” ~ Joshua 1:9 NIV

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power... Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ~ Ephesians 6:10, 13 NIV

In the face of battle, our enemy is fierce. He comes strong against us because he sees the threat we are when we stand strong in the Lord. He fears us and the generations to follow. Today, if you are facing a battle like we are, remember Who is on your side. Our victory is in the Lord and He’s calling us to take our stand!

©Heather Potts 2020

Battles

for everyone born of God overcomes the world… ~ 1 John 5:4 NIV

Have you ever felt like all you did was battle? Maybe you’ve been fighting with your kids or spouse. Maybe the battle is for your job or just to get a job. Maybe the battle is over health issues—yours or a loved one’s. Or maybe you’re battling for your mind or for your life… In the midst of heavy battles, has the enemy ever whispered, “I just don’t want to battle anymore…”?

We’ve been battling many things, and yesterday, the enemy whispered that to me. But before I could ponder his words, Holy Spirit said, “There is a battle in everything. It’s not about the battle. It’s about whose side you’re on.” As I thought about what Holy Spirit had said, I was reminded of a sermon by Pastor Burnard Scott, in which he taught that through Jesus we have been given both power and authority. He said that Satan has power, but not authority, and preys on those who don’t know their authority, because authority is what causes the enemy to flee, (Luke 4:36).

As we battle, it’s important to remember the words of Ephesians 6:12, that our battle is not with people, but against spiritual forces. In Battlefield of the Mind, Joyce Meyer tells the story of a man battling a terminal illness. The man had been declaring God’s Word over his illness, but after not seeing any results, he grew tired of battling. The Spirit enlightened the man’s eyes, revealing to him what was happening in the spiritual realm. Though the enemy attacked, each time the man spoke the Word of God, a sword of fire came out of the man’s mouth, causing the enemy to cower.

Perhaps, like the man in this story, you feel like you’re losing the battle. Be encouraged! As the Spirit showed the man, each time you speak God’s Word—using your authority—God’s power is displayed in swords of fire, causing the enemy to cower. Remember, victory belongs to the Lord and, through Him, you, too, have victory.

Stand to your feet, Overcomer!

Draw your sword, Mighty Warrior!

And declare your victory cry, Beloved Child of the Most High God!

©Heather Potts 2017