Becoming a Warrior of Hope

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” Romans 5:13

This year (October 2018 – September 2019) we will be embarking upon the “Warrior of Hope Project.”

Hope can be hard to come by and if there is anything we need more of in today’s world, it is hope.  This year we will spend time looking at God’s promises and His provisions.  We will learn about using prayer as a tool to bring hope to our family, our friends, our neighbors and our nation.  As we worship the God of hope and as He fills us with joy and peace, we will learn how to trust Him with even more of ourselves.  I am counting on the power of the Holy Spirit to fill us to overflow with hope so that we can help and encourage others.

Are you in?  Let’s get started on this Beautifully Broken, Perfectly Imperfect journey as Warriors of Hope!

Our first order of business is to equip ourselves with the armor of God and learn to wear it comfortably.  We must know and understand how to fight battles with our knees bent and our heads bowed. Hope often eludes us because we are buried under the lies of the enemy, and for that reason, we must be willing to fight through to God’s truth, for hope.

Today I want us to take a look at the enemy we will be battling against as written in Ephesians 6:12.  According to our intel, the Bible, this is who we are going to be wrestling with:

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Eph. 6:12

I think it is essential to put some time into discovering more about our enemy.  He is not a man dressed up in a red costume carrying a pitchfork! He is also not fictional, he is real, and he has many names.  In Priscilla Shirer’s book “The Armor of God”  she lists the following names of our enemy and their meaning.

• Satan means “the adversary” of God
• Devil means “slanderous.”
• Lucifer means “day star” or “Shining one.”
• Tempter means “one who tempts people for the purpose of enticing them to sin.”
• Ruler of the World means the enemy’s approach is not isolated to individuals.  (Think taking down whole nations)
• Prince of Darkness implies the devil does not work alone.  He is a leader in the underworld of a tribe of many.
• Accuser means “one who condemns.”
• Father of Lies means “liar” and “falsifier.”

Now that we know a little bit more about our enemy, I want to share some of my thoughts on the subject of battle.  I am not a fighter.  I love peace, and I am not fond of conflict.  However, the Bible is clear on the fact that as Christians we are at war with the forces of evil.  We need to learn how to be prepared and how to stand firm in the face of fear.  I am tired of being afraid and have learned to lean into God’s strength when I feel dismayed; I am now ready to fight!

“Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my Righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

I hope that at the end of my life, I can say as the apostle Paul did “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.” 2 Tim. 4:7

I hope that each of us prevails and stand firm to the end.  I am so glad to have each of you along for the ride, as we become Warriors of Hope!

Heavenly Father we ask that you would guide us as we embark upon the project of becoming Warriors of Hope.  We pray that you would strengthen us, that you would help us and that you would uphold us with your righteous right hand.  We stand confidently in your light as we become a beacon of hope for our family, friends, neighbors, and nation.  In your holy name with pray.  Amen

Next week we will look at how we can wear the Belt of Truth as we continue our series on the Armor of God