Warrior Princess

Anyone remember Xena? 

Or how about She-Ra? 

 

As a little girl, I thought their courage was pretty cool.  I mean, I loved my Barbies and all but there's something about a fearless girl standing up to the enemy.  Hair blowing in the wind, chin held high, face set, hands gripping her weapon. 

I have to admit, as much as I admire these princess warriors, I am a reluctant one myself.  I don't mind the fight if it's an exhilarating new challenge kind of fight.  I don't even mind it too much if it's a keep your patience while your children are using your folded laundry for a fort kind of fight.  It's when the fight gets intense, confusing, hard...that's when I don't feel so much like a warrior.  I just 'feel' like digging a hole and hiding.
But listen to what Timothy said;

"Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses (1 Timothy 6:12)."

A few weeks ago my father-in-law summed up what Timothy wrote when he said these two statements to me; "Remember, it's a fight. And it's a good fight."

It kind of called out a little warrior princess in me.  Who am I to expect that the fight would always be a 'fun' one.  Battles have times of rest, times of exciting challenge but also times of outright, intense, teeth clenching, barely able to keep your shield up fighting.  So should I be surprised when God allows the battle for my life, my eternity, to become intense?  Not so much.  We do have an enemy who is fighting to pull us from God's grip, from abundant life in Him.  Ephesians 6 describes or battle;   

 "10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.11Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.12For 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.13Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.14Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS,15and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE;16in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.17And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

So, don't be afraid warrior princesses, take up your armor and fight the good fight.  And when you are weary, call a sister and ask her to battle with you.  And always remember this; we are to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of HIS MIGHT!  He holds our head up.  He will strengthen you.