Mighty Warrior

Source: Etsy, crafty mama gifts

Now, I know we've discussed this before on the blog.

But it's been awhile.

And if you are anything like me, you suffer from what pastor and author Paul Tripp calls "identity amnesia."

I constantly forget who I am in Christ.

I forget whose I am through Christ.

I forget all about my heavenly inheritance and the resurrection power I have at my disposal 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year until eternity.

I've been camping out in Judges lately, doing a deep dive into the character of Gideon and the role he played in unifying the people of God to have victory over their enemy (see Judges chapter 6-8).

I've marveled afresh at how the Angel of the Lord addresses him, as Gideon is threshing wheat under the cover of darkness, in a wine press, at a time and place that is allowing him to go unnoticed by the Midianites, who have made it their business to steal the Israelites' harvest for seven years strong.

"The Lord is with you, O Mighty Warrior," the Angel of the Lord says.

But hold up!  Wait!!  There is nothing mighty or valiant about Gideon!

And he has never gone to war or been a warrior in any capacity!

Even Gideon owns up to this when this angel goes on to call him to lead the Israelites, stating that his is the weakest clan in the land, and he is the least in his father's house (see Judges 6:15).

But you see, God doesn't see it that way, as He promises His presence and power to clothe Gideon.

I woke up the other day with such an impression on my mind that I wrote it down in my bed-side journal before my feet even hit the floor.

          I AM WHO GOD SAYS I AM

What I love about that sentiment is that it starts and ends with God Himself, "I AM," the name that Yahweh revealed to Moses from the burning bush (see Exodus 3).  He hems me in, behind and before me (Psalm 139:5).  He clothes me in Himself and His righteousness and power.

I am reminded anew that I am ONLY what GOD says I am because HE alone sees and knows the ultimate truth, the only reality.

You see, dear one, as a believer in Christ, this is true of you, too.

You aren't your feelings.

You aren't your circumstances.

You aren't what or who other people say or think you are.

You aren't who you used to be.

You aren't defined by your intellect.

You aren't defined by your bank account.

You aren't defined by the number of "likes" you receive or your number of "followers."

You aren't defined by your abilities or accomplishments.

You are exactly who GOD says you are:

A valiant warrior.

Beloved and cherished.

Wanted and known.

Perhaps, like me, you forget this truth a lot!  But take heart today, dear one.  Renew your mind with the truth of God.

And this week, never forget that the Lord is with you, O Mighty Warrior!  And all power and authority has been given to you in heaven to be victorious over the Enemy!