Warrior or Worrier

    A friend of mine was requesting prayer for a dire situation on Facebook. Intending to ask for prayer warriors she instead typed in prayer worriers! I know these phones take what you start to type and sometimes complete your thought the wrong way. So I’m not making fun of her. It struck me I’d rather be a warrior than a worrier. I delved into the difference.

     A warrior is bold and brave, one who chooses to fight the battle despite their fear. They defend, protect, and bring peace. We all fight for many things; our family, health and our very life. This can be anytime, any place, or anyone. It doesn’t have to be with knives or bullets. A warrior is not always rough and rowdy. There is a strength that shows up with control. Sometimes it takes more willpower to control emotions than to lash out with fists or weapons. The weapon in this case is in the quiet, reserved demonstration of control and conquering. A sacrifice is required either way. I think of Spock on Star Trek, the vulcan warrior who displayed such control over his emotions. It was a process to get to this point. There were repercussions such as the dampening of love and laughter. Think also of the navy seal or soldier who is captured and tortured. They would rather suffer than give up information that would harm their fellow warriors. Even to death, they have lived a victorious life. Jesus suffered in silence. He knew each of us intimately and was willing to shed his blood and die a disgraceful death so we could experience grace and life eternal.

     How can this winsome warrior be you? CPA! What? You may say, I didn’t think this was a financial theme! That is the acronym to help you remember. C– Choose to be a warrior who lives in victory rather than a worrier who lives in vain. By setting your mind a certain way you determine the path you will take. It impacts the landscape of your brain. P – Prepare and Pray. Be ready physically, emotionally and spiritually for whatever comes your way. Pray for opportunities to reach out to others. A – Action. Venture forth, take that first step to pray or help someone whether they are a stranger or friend. When someone insults you, speak kind words back. For there is power in words. God spoke and there was light. Let your words be full of light and life, not negative or dark.

    Many may seem an unlikely candidate for a warrior, including me. Let’s look at some unlikely heroes who help people in their struggles achieve victory: the nurse, social worker, teacher, pastor, grandparent or parent. The list goes on and on and I honor them all. A specific example is Franklin Graham who leads Samaritans Purse, an organization that reaches out to the needy and hurting all over the world. Consider Ruth in the Bible who took a stand for her Mother-in-law and her God despite being a gentile. Ruth was rewarded with finding her place and purpose in the lineage of the Messiah, Jesus. And the greatest warrior is Jesus Christ who gave his life for the salvation of those He loved. 

     When my grandson was born, his heart stopped. It was touch and go for a while. As I drove to Riley Hospital I felt a peace that he would be okay and was surrounded by a mighty band of warrior angels. He recovered and I know the angels still watch over him and protect him.

     A worrier is a member of the human race. Worry will come, but don’t let it consume or label you as a worrier over issues that may never happen. In Ephesians it says keep the shield of faith up since you’re more vulnerable to attack or worry if your defenses are down. Worry leads to anxiety which leads to more anxiety. Don’t let this be your focus. Turn the news off and turn the Word of God on. Saturate your mind, body and spirit in the powerful, peaceful Words from your Creator.

     Some attributes of warrior or worrier are listed below with their effects over you:

                     Warrior                                                                               Worrier

1) Prosperous: an abundance in resources          1) Plundered: depleted of resources

2) Victorious: peace and protection       2) Vulnerable: unprotected,      

                                                                                      exposed to unease and disease

3)  Calm: certainty, stability and success              3) Chaos: uncertainty, anxiety

       I want to be a warrior and achieve triumph no matter what the situation or the circumstances. Josh 1:9  says “…The Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” Therefore I will never be alone in the battle. Being a worrier only leads to nowhere but stress, tears and turmoil. Being a warrior leads to triumph. Therefore I choose warrior and know I am with God who fights my battles for He has the ultimate victory.

                                  In the battle with you, Love Debbie