February Newsletter
Forging God's Champions.
The Olympic Games are happening in Vancouver, Canada, later this month and the media will soon be full of images of triumphant champions, overcoming long odds and standing head and shoulders above all others.
God's champions are different. They often operate in secret, known by few or none, except the God they serve. It's that intimate connection and friendship with God that gives them the strength to carry on.
God wants the pleasure of our company; that’s why He created us in the first place. He wants us to live in His presence, forever. Like Joshua, who Exodus 33:11 notes “did not depart from the tabernacle” where Moses and God talked face-to-face, spiritual warriors are called to remain in the presence of God. Joshua’s confidence in God’s nature helped him time and again on the battlefield as the Israelites took the Promised Land.
We need to understand that every situation has been designed for us to discover more of God’s presence and find access to even deeper levels. Confidence is the gateway to that presence. Our belonging there is part of our inheritance in Christ.
The word “warrior” conjures up images of violence and conflict. But a spiritual warrior is essentially peaceful, untroubled, and restful. Remaining calm is vital to the internal power and anointing that helps those around us overcome the enemy in their own lives. Warriors are dedicated, focused, committed, disciplined, and operate with a clear vision in mind. They have an internal compass that keeps them pointed toward the will of God. They keep moving in the same direction that God has challenged them to go—no matter what. Every champion in Scripture moved from crisis to crisis, but did so with the confidence that God was with them. Spiritual warriors, in every generation since Adam and Eve were created, live out the call of 2 Corinthians 6:4-10—
But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
That is the mission of the spiritual warrior.
When I am speaking to a group of Christians, I often have them try an exercise with me. I invite them to come to the front of the room and line up, shoulder to shoulder, in rows, as an army in formation stands. I ask them to close their eyes and imagine that they are on a battlefield, and then I lead them through the following meditation:
Imagine that you are on a battlefield. Your army is small, especially in the face of the massive force that opposes you. You’re outnumbered. You’re outgunned. They’re bigger than you in both number and physical size. A thought flashes across your mind: you’re going to die. With everything stacked against you, you realize your only hope of survival is to run away. But you are a warrior: retreat is not an option.
In your heart, you decide you will fight as best you can. If you’re going down, you’re taking as many of them down with you as possible. You feel your face turn to flint as you prepare yourself. The resolve inside of you turns your blood cold. You push any fear out of your body: you don’t need it, you don’t want it. The butterflies in your stomach are now frozen in the concrete of your resolve. You turn your gaze on to the tallest, meanest-looking enemy you can see. That’s the one you’re going to kill first.
Now look eighteen inches above that enemy soldier. Do you see who’s there? It’s Jesus, grinning and waving at you. When you make eye contact with Him, He winks. The enemy has no clue that He’s there—it’s a private joke between Him and you. The Lord flips you a thumbs-up. ‘He’s really going to enjoy this,’ you think to yourself. In your spirit, your resolve is joined by hope. Everything is different now because the King is here. This is going to be a good fight, because you’re going to overcome all odds and win.
In your inner being, with your mouth closed, look at Jesus and shout. Show it on your face, wave your hands if you wish, but stay quiet. Inside of you, shout His name. Praise Him! Every fiber of your being is shouting to Him.
Now look again at the enemy army. See how confused they look? Their weak, timid, outnumbered enemy has been infused with confidence. They’re now the ones who are worried. What are you up to?
When you looked at Jesus’ face, you proclaimed His goodness. Now, looking at the enemy, I want you to declare what Jesus will do to them. They’re toast. It’s over. The name of Jesus will be victorious no matter what they try. The King is here!
I lead this exercise because most Christians have no idea how to manifest their spirit. But those who try this, do—often for the very first time in their lives. They wake up their spiritual being.