Trained for Battle

So much of my heart’s courage (and with it, hope), passion (and with it, love), and desire (and with it, faith) is either stolen away by these enemies of mine – the world, Satan, or my flesh – or simply squeezed into such a small corner of my life as to be for all practical purposes nearly non-existent. This happens often. Too often.

Recently I had a conversation with the Lord God concerning this battle. I share it here. The italicized portions are the words I heard God speak; the others are my own.

Are you tired yet of so much of your heart being stolen from you?

Yes, Lord! Yes I am.

Then why do you allow it to be stolen?

When can I be released into my giftings for your Kingdom and for your glory, Lord?

My son, I love that desire in you. It is from me. But if you were to be released now before you were able to stand in my authority where you now find yourself to be, you would be destroyed. You must first be trained to walk in my authority. I want to develop that in you. Your giftings are not a replacement for character. Now, are you ready to stand in my authority and fight against all my enemies and yours in my name, enemies that have for too long now opposed that great and mighty work and life in you? Are you ready to fight to the death for your freedom, knowing that to live without it is to not live at all? Are you ready to bring down all strongholds against you and DeAnn and all that sets itself up against the knowledge of God? Are you ready, my valiant warrior, to walk with me into your full freedom and to remain there with me despite the cost?

What will the cost be, Lord?

Ah. The cost is high, my son. But two things you must remember. One, that no cost can be too high for freedom. The reward is greater still. And two, I have already paid the greatest cost. Nothing you forsake or encounter will measure against it.

Of course, my King.

Now, are you ready?

I am ready. I want to stand with you as you say, Lord God. I want freedom and life. I want freedom and life – more than anything – and I believe you came to give it to me and to others through me.

I came to win it for you. You must walk in it yourself. Choose to, and be resilient, fervent, steadfast, and ruthless for it – for your heart, my son, and for others. It will take battle. I will lead you in it all. I will train your hands for battle and you will have skill over even what you have already experienced. You will know what it is to war and to be victorious over your enemies. Do you want that?

More than anything!

Then come with me. It’s time to stand.