PREFACE:
Recently I was honored to join a volunteer prayer team. I have been searching for a way to serve. I have long had a heart for prayer and could track my spiritual growth by the nature of my prayers. They have evolved. And as a recent addition to this group, once again I am being transformed.
There are some amazing women and men that pray in the spirit in a variety of ways. They have inspired me and taught me in such a short time. From them I have realized there yet another dimension to prayer. It has all been so exciting!!
Today I acutally felt so overwhelmed with joy by the excitement of all that is developing that I literally felt I had to restrain myself from just wanting to take off running like a mad woman. I was so full of energy. The excitement was almost too much to bear.
Most people realize there is a spiritual warfare that is ongoing and has been for some time. This is nothing new. But I am not sure if it is only this recent revelation that I have experienced, but I honestly think it goes beyond me...I see and feel there is something stirring...the enemy has been stirring the pot for some time...
But greater is He that is in us than he is that is in the world...the enemy crumbles at the sound of our Lord's name....I was speaking with an amazing woman on our prayer team. She has had a strong prayer life for many years. This is inspiring. As she shared lessons she has learned in time and wisdome imparted upon her by the Lord, she exclaimed, "We have the promises of God, so many promises. They are just sitting there. We are not using them." My pastor shared today that on a mission trip to India among many striking things was the authority of Jesus which the people proclaimed. Their prayers were bold, certain, and faithful.
“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” (Luke 10:19)
All of these revelations, combined with an number of situations in my life that are too numerous to chronicle have me excited. I also cannot help but feel a revival is stirring and the Lord of all is preparing his warriors for battle.
CHRISTIAN SOLIDER
I never thought of myself as a warrior or even a strong person. I have been told by those I love, "you are a strong person, because of what you have endured." I half beleived this and because of my lack of esteem and distorted view and lack of full comprehension of whose I am never allowed me to see myself as a STRONG anything.
As a child I attended church with my grandma, Arlene. My brother Louis, my uncle James, and I attended vacation bible school every summer. Every summer we opened it up the same we marched into the church holding the flags and singing "Onward Christian Solider."
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
with the cross of Jesus going on before.
Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;
forward into battle see his banners go!
Refrain:
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
with the cross of Jesus going on before.
At the sign of triumph Satan's host doth flee;
on then, Christian soldiers, on to victory!
Hell's foundations quiver at the shout of praise;
brothers, lift your voices, loud your anthems raise.
(Refrain)
Like a mighty army moves the church of God;
brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod.
We are not divided, all one body we,
one in hope and doctrine, one in charity.
(Refrain)
Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane,
but the church of Jesus constant will remain.
Gates of hell can never gainst that church prevail;
we have Christ's own promise, and that cannot fail.
(Refrain)
Onward then, ye people, join our happy throng,
blend with ours your voices in the triumph song.
Glory, laud, and honor unto Christ the King,
this through countless ages men and angels sing.
(Refrain)
I had no idea then the signifcance of those words. As I said earlier, I have never felt strong or considered myself a warrior. But through the Lord's spirit in the past few weeks I am learning what an honor and a privilege it is to be a member of God's army. I am filled with excitement when I think of the King I serve and the glory and honor that is due to Him alone.
In the meantime, I realize I am but a new recruit. I have long been a believer in the purpose of this army. I have known for which side to root. I have been a spectator and engaged from time to time, but mostly have enjoyed the privilege of protection for all those who are serving. I never saw myself as "good enough" or "strong enough" to serve. Our Father in heaven says differently.
So, now as a new recruit I must use the excitement as fuel to prepare. It is so human to want to get fired up and run off into battle without truly preparing one's spirit, mind, and body. So for now, I must wait on the Lord and seek His Spirit's guidance to prepare. I must pace myself so that I can bear the belt of truth buckled around [my] waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place. I must have my feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, I must take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. I must continue to grow and wear the helmet of salvation and so that I can have the strength to wield the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.(Ephesians 6:14-17)
I am merely a silly, people pleasing, self conscious,weak soul on my own. But in God's strength, covered by Christ's blood, led by the Spirit I can be a warrior for the Most High God. How could I not be excited to serve such and amazing God!
For now, I must prepare. I must meditate, pray, watch, listen, learn and prepare my mind, body adn spirit for the battle that is before us. So that we may all run with perseverance the race set before us. (Heb 12:1) For now, I look on with hope and excitement for the plans the Lord has for me and my fellow members all for the glory of our God who is almighty, everlasting, faithful, merciful and loving. All for His glory, I gladly take my place....keep me in your prayers....the new recruit always has to make it through boot camp.....i will keep you posted....i desire your prayers and always offer mine for you.....
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