I can say that the second definition I listed above also describes me. I have learned how to show great vigor, courage, and aggressiveness in my prayer life as I have poured out my heart and soul to Jesus, but also in dealing with fiery darts from the enemy. I have learned the "tricks of the trade", so to speak, and am no longer afraid of the enemy. God is fighting for me, so who can be against me? (Romans 8:31) Victory is mine! I'm also not afraid to approach God honestly and openly, as I was for so many years. Oh, how much suffering I could have avoided in my younger days had I not been afraid to humble myself and fall at his feet in repentance.
I have become an experienced warrior in this battle called Life. However, even experienced warriors need rest periods. We need time to get wisdom from God, good sleep, healthy food for our bodies. And most importantly, the Word of God. The Bible is our weapon. It is our shield and our guide. Without it, we don't have a chance against the enemy of our souls. As much as I want to be out there going after my dreams and fighting battles of injustice, I'm learning not to despise these "rest periods" I've been forced to take. God can use me on my couch just as effectively if I have my heart in the right place. He can use me because, if I can't do anything else, I can pray. I can be a prayer warrior no matter where I'm at. Right now, that happens to be my couch.
I am engaged in warfare every single day, and sometimes I get weary. There is a battlefield in my mind when the discouraging voice of the enemy comes, especially when I'm in a battle of pain in my body. Sometimes the battle is my own flesh fighting against itself because I'm frustrated and disappointed that I have to be on the couch...again. By the way, I would advise against that. It does your body no good to fight against something you can't control. Sometimes I think I'm my own worst enemy. But, I'm not a quitter. I may grow weary at times, as all warriors do, but I refuse to give up hope that one day the battle of suffering will be over. I have that promise in 1 Peter 5:6-11.
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen."
We are all engaged in warfare on a daily basis. If you are following the Lord and seeking to do His will, then you better believe you're going to be faced with some battles of your own. You may not feel them all the time, because we can't see with human eyes the battles and wars that are raging in the spiritual realm on a daily basis. But, as Peter mentions above, we must be alert. We must be battle-ready at all times. We must not be complacent when times are going well. We should rejoice and enjoy those times. Absolutely! But, we must not lose our focus. We must sharpen our swords and renew our minds by reading the Bible every day. We must keep our bodies healthy so that we can be the best warriors for Jesus. We are his hands and feet to this dying world. He put us here to love people and serve them unselfishly.
So, whether you're a warrior on an actual battlefield, a warrior in your community, a warrior on the front lines of the mission field of freeing children and women from a life of sex trafficking. Or, if you're like me, a warrior in heart if not in bodily strength yet, take heart! God can and will use you exactly where you are. From this couch warrior's heart to yours...fight! And don't stop fighting. Until tomorrow then...
Love,
Tracie
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