I’ve heard many Christians say that they’re called to global ministry, or to be a prophet or prophetess to the nations, yet when faced with adversity, they often withdraw — rather than stand firm and press through the difficulties.
This is not a rebuke or criticism but a word of encouragement.
Challenging seasons will certainly come, but it’s crucial that we develop the resilience to triumph over adversity if we want to fulfill our purpose and become the person that we were destined to be.
The LORD asked Jeremiah:
“If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with horses? And if in the land of peace, in which you trusted, they wearied you, then how will you do in the floodplain of the Jordan?” Jeremiah 12:5.
The Holy Spirit once showed me 1 Samuel 23 as a picture of His elite end-time army.
It speaks about the strong men in David’s army.
- One man killed eight hundred men with one spear, Eleazar stood his ground and struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword.
- Enaiah who was a valiant fighter, struck down Moab’s two mightiest warriors and then went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion.
Some of them were Gadites who the bible describes as men of valor, men trained for battle, who could handle shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and were as swift as gazelles on the mountains,” (1 Chronicles 12:8)
Once again, The LORD is strategically positioning His most skilled warriors, and sharp-shooters on the front lines. He is training us for combat, and preparing us for triumphant victories.
This end-time army will understand that they are not fighting against flesh and blood but they are battling against powers, principalities, rulers of darkness, and wickedness in high places.
Jesus is training His people to excel in their roles and know their mission. They understand the need for the armor of God as their vital safeguard for their faith and daily life.
They know their rank and are submitted to their authority therefore they stay in the position to which they were assigned.
The LORD is looking for those who are fearless and ready to face challenges, tenacious in spiritual warfare, alert and watchful of the enemy.
They are those whose faces are as the faces of lions. They view obstacles through the eyes of the Spirit. They walk with strength and determination.
Their enemies cower back in fear and intimidation as they see their strength and tenacity. They are defiant in the face of adversity, will not become discouraged, and will never compromise.
They are as swift as gazelles on the mountains, mobile, active men and women, ready to fight wherever and whenever they are needed.
They will watch out for one another and be careful to avoid friendly fire.
Those who enlist in The LORD’s End Time Army will never have to be concerned with the wiles of the evil one, because they know that Jesus is standing with them at all times.
As this end-time army emerges, He will give them wisdom, discernment, and understanding as He reveals His strategies for the days ahead.
“Some Gadites joined David at the stronghold in the wilderness, mighty men of valor, men trained for battle, who could handle shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and were as swift as gazelles on the mountains,” 1 Chronicles 12:8.
“No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier,” 2 Timothy 2:4.
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on A Word in Season
Featured Image by Virvoreanu Laurentiu from Pixabay
