Fearless Warrior

The title of this picture is "Without Fear". Can there be such a person as a fearless warrior? We've heard the term before, but really, does it mean that these warriors who are in the depth of battle seriously fear nothing? If that is so, what is it about them that makes them "fearless"? They cannot possibly know the outcome of the war/battle while they are in the midst of it. If they could, then perhaps I can see where they could be truly fearless. Perhaps they are very prepared and truly know their enemy, or at least they think they do, or they are completely confident in their weaponry. I could understand being confident or even somewhat fearless. Or does fearless really mean wreckless...without abandonment?

I have been served my papers to go into battle. Actually, when I got saved, I was served those papers. I think sometimes we think that battling and war talk are for small seasons of our lives, but in reality...it is the times of respite that are indeed the small seasons. I am seeing that more and more clearly now as evident in my own walk. Can I say that I am a fearless warrior? Well here is what I know:

My papers (Bible) say this: "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes."

Ok...I know my enemy and I have my armor for defence and really just based on this portion of scripture alone, I don't even need my own power, I have the Lord's mighty power.

Then it goes on to further explain what the battlefield looks like:

"For our struggle (battle) is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." The truth is often times this is exactly where we get our fear, because it looks like flesh and blood and we are not really equipped to fight that kind of battle. So before we even step out into the battlefield, we are crippled with fear because how can I fight this manipulative person, or how can I fight this evil system? Ahhh...but often..that is not who we are fighting at all! Recognize your enemy and realized the weapons we need are not carnal, but are spiritual!

If we stop here I can see where fear can creep in...lets not stop!

"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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."

Ahhh...here is my protection and my instructions on how to use the tools that my Commander has equipped me with. This is pivotal! I can already feel the fear being extinguished!

So lets recap for a second. Here is what we know:

As Christians we are engaged in a spiritual conflict with evil. This spiritual conflict is described as a warfare of faith that continues until we get to Heaven. The great news is this: our victory has been secured by Christ himself through Christ's death and resurrection. Jesus waged a triumphant battle against Satan, disarmed the evil powers and authorities. ("And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." Col.2:15) The truth is that we must wage war not in our own power but with spiritual weapons! Finally we are called to endure hardships like good soldiers of Christ, suffer for the gospel, fight the good fight of the faith, persevere, conquer, be victorious, triumph, defend the gospel, contend for the faith, not be frightened by opponents, put on the full armor of God, stand firm, destroy Satan's strongholds, take captive every thought and become powerful in battle! Whew!!!! It is true...read 2 Corinthian 10 and Hebrews 11:34!! If my Commander has said I can do this...then I can!

I feel stronger already! I don't have to fight this alone and there is no need to be wreckless...we have very specific instructions! I have been given all that I need to be prepared and confident. Indeed I have what it takes to be a fearless warrior! Watch out, I am all fired up now!!

You know what? If I had to pick, and I'm really not picking (because they are all equally important), but for me personally right now...my sword is so valuable! Seriously the "sword of the Spirit" is my offensive weapon to be used in battle! There is NO WAY, I will sit back and let the enemy shake my confidence in the truth found in my sword (the Word of God!)!

So friends, please do me one favor, as Paul asked...this next verse finishes Ephesians 6:10-20:

"Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should."

And I will do the same for my fellow warriors!