Calling All Women Warriors

Have you noticed all the action movies coming out lately starring female warriors?  It is hard to miss. In the last couple years, the big screen introduced us to Wonder Woman with the female warriors from the Amazon Island and the powerful Wakandan Female Guards in the hit movie Black Panther.  Even the Disney Princess shows have changed in the last decade.  No longer do the princesses need to be rescued by a prince; now they are strong, independent, and smart young women who are able to defend themselves.  Could our culture be ready for a shift in the way women are typically viewed?

These movies have encouraged girls and women alike that they are strong, bold, and brave.  To be perfectly honest, when I saw Wonder Woman in the theater, something inside of me wanted to stand up and say,“I am woman. Hear me roar!”  Come on, I know I am not alone here!  Ok, seriously though, even though seeing strong women on the big screen gets me excited, it’s nothing compared to how stoked I get when I think about the plans daddy God has for his daughters!

God has always called women to do great things, and yes, he even called women to be warriors! My favorite woman warrior in the bible is Deborah.  You can read her account in Judges, Chapters four and five. Deborah was both prophet and judge and she ruled Israel for forty years. Deborah helped deliver her people from the Canaanites, but more importantly, she was an inspiration to others.  Her courage and resolve gave grit to the timid warrior Barak, and her example of strength inspired the housewife Jael to defeat the enemy.

Like Deborah, God has a plan to use women warriors today to encourage and inspire others to join the fight of faith.  God is calling women to rise up and become his warrior bride. He is looking for brave women who are willing to enlist in his army. Will you sign up today?

Sisters, here are 3 reasons you should enlist in the “Lord’s army” right now:

1. Women, you matter to God!

Unfortunately, insecurity seems to be a battle many women face.  The root of insecurity is fear that you are not enough. But that is a lie from the devil.  God sees worth in you, so much so that he sent his son, Jesus, to redeem you from the devil.  He did this because you matter to God.

Recently, I was in a meeting with a group of women leaders.  The question was asked, “Why do you love being a woman?”  A few women gave delightful answers about God’s plan and design for them as a woman. When my turn came, I vulnerably said, “I haven’t always loved being a woman.”  Now don’t get me wrong, I love lipstick and high heels as much as the next girl, but being a woman in a “man’s world” is not always easy. And frankly, I haven’t always loved it.  There have been times in my ministry where I have not been accepted just because I am a woman. There is a very real “stained glass ceiling” for women in ministry.  However, I had to realize that though there are challenges I face that male colleagues know nothing about, I matter to God and that is all that should matter to me. Once I realized I mattered to God, I was able to not succumb to my fears, insecurities, and excuses. I stopped apologizing for being a woman and I started walking in my authority as a daughter of God.

Sisters, my hope for you is that you, too, realize that you matter to God.  You are not an afterthought in the mind of God. I love Lisa Bevere’s quote,

Women you are an answer, not the problem.

You are actually designed to be a solution to creation’s problem.  When God made Adam he said it is not good for man to be alone, and then he made a woman.  It is time to stop whining about being women and it is time to start shining. You are needed in the battle, in the church, and in this world.  You have contributions to make … Go make them!

2. Women, some battles can’t be won without you!

Years ago, when my husband and I first started our church, we had a gentleman share with us his heart for women who were victims in the sex industry, particularly in the strip clubs.  He then proceeded to tell us he wanted to start a ministry in these clubs. However admirable this man’s intentions may have been, my husband told him that he was not the right person for the job.  My husband explained to our overzealous friend, that God made men to be visual beings and it is not wise to have men go into clubs to tell the strippers about Jesus. It would be very easy for the enemy to come into that situation and turn what was meant for good, into something evil.

The thing is, we need women warriors to win the battle for souls in the sex industry.  We are blessed in this city to have the ministry of Covered International, led by my friend and fellow princess warrior Savannah Hineline.  Savannah has trained other women warriors to do the very thing that men should not do.

There are other battles in which we need women to participate in as well, such as the fight to end abortion, restore children and families, save lost souls, and much more.   Women, God created you to put Satan under your feet. Look at what God says, in Gen. 3:14-15 (MSG)

I’m declaring war between you and the Woman, between your offspring and hers.  He’ll wound your head, and you’ll wound his heel.

Here is the thing; you are at war against the enemy, so you might as well get in the fight.  The good news is we will be victorious!

3. Women, you are the missing half!

Jesus told his disciples a sign of His return is when the gospel is preached to the whole world.  We need the entire army of the Lord to be completely engaged in fulfilling The Great Commission. The Great Commission is a commandment, not a suggestion.  Ladies, God does not want you on the sidelines. He has called you, just like he has called our brothers, to preach the gospel and make disciples of all men and women.  There are some people who have yet to come into the Kingdom of God because they have not heard the Good News.

God is looking for brave women warriors who are ready to go to the farthest places of the world to reach the one who is far from God with the gospel of Jesus.  God does not put a gender requirement on The Great Commission. In fact, it is going to take every available vessel to do their part. Are you willing to stop making excuses and enlist today in the Lord’s Army?

God wants to rise up radical daughters to do His work and help fulfill The Great Commission.  He is once again looking for women like Elizabeth Elliot, Mother Theresa, and Amy Carmichael who were willing to leave everything and follow Jesus.  I don’t know what your part will be; only God knows. However, the voice of God is still calling out today,

Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? (Isaiah 6:8)  

Will you join the many brave, daring, bold female warriors of God?  My hope is you will enlist in the Lord’s army today, by answering the call,

Here am I! Send me! (Isaiah 6:8)