As biblical Christians we are being told that we have lost the “cultural war.” This will continue to be debated for some time. One certainty, however, is that we will see more “wounded warriors” in the days to come. As good soldiers, following Jesus, we will suffer. “Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a solider gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer” (II Tim.2:3-4). What will this suffering look like? How will we respond to adversity? How are we to “fight the good fight of the faith?” (I Tim.6:12) We are told to take our stand. “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything to stand” (Eph. 6:13). Since the days are becoming more evil, what will our stand imply. Here are some are a few considerations on being wounded.
First, establish your calling as a warrior. Paul reminded young Timothy of his calling. “The prophetic word that was directed to you prepared us for this. All those prayers are coming together now so you will do this well, fearless in your struggle, keeping a firm grip on your faith and on yourself. After all, this is a fight we’re in” (I Tim 1:18 – Message). I believe many men reading this blog will receive a prophetic call to be a warrior. Your time has come. You are being called to stand. The call will be different for every man. My exhortation is to be obedient to this call. You have been prepared to stand in your present life circumstance. God will lead you to other warriors. They will be unmistakable in their resolve to be faithful to their “commanding officer.”
Secondly expect to take some arrows. “Look, the wicked bend their bows, they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart” (Ps. 11:2). The warfare will be deceptive but intense. Be ready for the arrows. “Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from that noisy crowd of evildoers. They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their words like deadly arrows. They shoot from ambush at the innocent man; they shoot at him suddenly, without fear” (Ps 64:2-4). I call this being “broad-sided.” Elsewhere the Psalmist said he will not fear, “the arrow that flies by day” (Ps 91: 5). Are you ready to take the arrows? Jesus said we are blessed when the arrows come. “Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man” (Matt. 5:22).
Thirdly, prepare yourself for having a wounded heart. I am not talking about physical wounds, although that might be true for some warriors in the days to come. Rather, I am referring to the pain of betrayal, disappointment, slander, and rejection that will come from some who are close to you. Jesus warned of this. “You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put you some of you to death. Everyone will hate you because of me” (Luke 21:16-17).
Fourthly, find healing for your heart, by doing your inner soul work. Be honest, open and transparent about your inner wounds. Ps 51 helps us greatly in this process. David was honest, “Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight'” (Ps 51:4). Find another brother to pray about your healing, and then go an help another “wounded warrior.” There will be many needing your help.
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