Devotional

The Lord's Warrior

Ready 

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” – Ephesians 6:10-12

Set 

The FCA Competitor’s Creed ends with three key identities of an athlete or coach competing for Christ: “I am the Lord’s warrior, a competitor by conviction and a disciple of determination.” Each identity speaks to our call as followers of Jesus. He has given 100% of himself for us, so what does 100% mean for us?

Today, we will be focusing on “I am the Lord’s Warrior.”

When you commit your life to the name and way of Jesus, you choose to put on a new uniform. You now wear the colors of the cross. Your life is hidden in Christ and covered by the blood of Jesus.

I am no longer fighting for victory, but I am fighting from victory.

This does not mean I live out of my own ego, but I rely solely on the power of God. I compete for the pleasure of my Heavenly Father, the honor of Christ and the reputation of the Holy Spirit. I know that my strength does not come from my own heart, but the new heart that God has put in me.

Because I am the Lord’s Warrior, I see with new eyes and equip myself with new tools. I get to put on the full armor of God and represent His relentless pursuit of truth and love on the earth. My competition is not labeled as my enemy. In fact, I face my challenger with the face of Christ. I put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Colossians 3:12).

The world might confuse my humility as weakness, but Jesus was misunderstood too. We do not wage world like the world does (2 Corinthians 10:3). His strength is made perfect in my weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

I have the confidence to rest in the work of my Commander and King. Exodus 14:14 says, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” My true strength is found my ability to link arms with those around me and trust God’s presence with me.

I am the Lord’s Warrior.

Go 
  • In the arena of competition, what do you find yourself fighting for?
  • What does it look like to rest in the Lord, but still compete at 100%?
  • What part of the Lord's Armor do you need to be reminded of? See Ephesians 6:10-18.
Workout 

2 Chronicles 20:15; 1 Samuel 17:47; 2 Corinthians 10:3-6

Overtime 

Jesus, thank You for fighting the ultimate battle on the cross. In Your death, You crucified sin and shame. In Your resurrection, You made a way so that we may live with You in victory. We don’t have to live in fear when Your perfect love has conquered our hearts.

Bible Reference: 
2 Chronicles 20:15
1 Samuel 17:47
2 Corinthians 10:3-6