Valiant and Mighty for Battle…

This past weekend, I was called to speak for a "Women's Ministry" meeting several hours away. As I was preparing for the weekend, I really felt impressed to speak on the topic of "Spiritual Fortification." This is a very needed topic, but it just doesn't seem many are addressing this critical area in our lives. Right and left we see people being harassed and overcome by the power of the enemy. Homes are falling apart, people's spiritual lives are falling apart, and we are beset by trials and setbacks on all sides. Of course, we are told to read our Bible and pray more (which is good), but how do we get fortified? How do we get strong? And besides being strong against the attack in our own lives, how do we be strong for others and help take territory back from the enemy?

As I've been studying this topic out more lately, let me share what God is showing me. 

In Proverbs 31, you read the story about the "Virtuous Women." (If you are a women, you know how impossible this list sometimes seems.) Is it really possible to be such a women?

Throughout the Bible, you ALSO read stories of many mighty and valiant men: Men who took lions and bears with their bare hands. Men who fought off and killed hundreds and thousands singlehandedly. Men who jumped over walls, who broke through camps of Philistines (just to get a cup of cool water) and much more. They were doing things that a normal ordinary human would never be able to attempt. But they conquered, they overcome! And why?  Because the power of God was working with them in a supernatural way!

It's interesting, because if you compare the Hebrew word that describes the "Virtuous" women… it is the same word that describes the "Valor" of these mighty men throughout history, specifically those that fought with David and won such amazing victories. The word literally means: “valiant, mighty, strong in battle.”

Could God be calling us (both men and women) to be "Valiant, mighty, strong in battle"? 

The Bible tells us:

"Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Ephesians 6:10-11

“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

“The people that do know their God shall be strong and do exploits.” Daniel 11:32
If these verses are true, it seems we all have a lot of "strength" and "fortification" needed so that these verses will be a reality in our lives. 

This is a prolonged subject, and I will actually be covering it in depth in our upcoming book. But I thought I'd share a few things here to get the ball rolling and maybe to encourage those that are being harassed. So over this next week or so, I'm going to focus on this topic.

For now, let me end today's Sonshine with this verse of encouragement.

"Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle." Ps. 24:7,8

We must remember that while we are called to fight, ultimately the Lord is fighting for us. And He is mighty and strong. Because of His strength, we can have confidence that victory will be obtained. 

Review:

• Bible Thought: God has called us, both men and women, to be "Valiant" and strong!
• Blessing: Saw God answer more prayers this past weekend in an amazing way! He is so good!!
• Battle: However, there are still some big prayers I'm praying for. And I'm seeking to keep my eyes on Him and to persevere, even when I don't see the immediate answer I'm praying for!