 | Blogs > ms_warriorthingy > A Follower of Christ > I'M A WARRIOR WOMAN ON MY PLANET! |
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Remember how hesitant I was to write my last post? I am so glad I did, because let me tell you very plainly....spiritual warfare is very real and the devil does attack. I have been a Christian for 15 years. I am discerning enough to know an attack when I see one, and strong enough in my faith to call out to the One who can protect me. But there are people amongst us, new to the faith who are so very vulnerable, unaware of the power within them to resist the devil. God's timing amazes me, His workings amazes me...and yes He does move in mysterious ways! I had coffee with a young woman today, a very new Christian. She is hungry to learn, yet still lacking in any knowledge or wisdom. She told me that friends had encouraged her to join some form of spiritual group so that she could have more fellowship. So she looked in the yellow pages for spiritual groups and joined one......unfortunately the type of spiritual she joined was not the same kind of spiritual we know! These people happened to be "white witches" and they have spent the last few months manipulating the mind of this young woman. They have told her she is worthless, she is surrounded by darkness, the list goes on. Because they called themselves spiritual, her naive understanding led her to believe they were of God. How sad is this??? Once she realised that this was not a healthy group to be in, she has tried to break away, but they have been harrassing her and causing a lot of harm to her fragile faith. We had a long talk, I shared my story of the other night with her and I assured her that she is covered by the blood of the Lamb, and all she needs to do is call on Jesus for protection and believe that He is indeed protecting her. We talked at length, and I have assured her that I will be praying for her. I've also encouraged her to be baptized. Now how timely was this? Most of my Christian walk was one of complacency, being fed a milky gospel. I was never taught about spiritual warfare, the power of the Holy Spirit, God's justice etc. Sadly, a lot of churches skim over these things and concentrate on the gospel of love, and forgiveness and all things nice. If the gospel of Christ is not taught in it's entirety then sadly the children of God are not being equipped to deal effectively with the challenges that arise, and some Christians fall apart when the rubber hits the road. You know the really tragic thing that I found? God had to yank me out of the fellowship I belonged to....He had to lead me out into the desert for a little one-on-one and teach me some realities of what it means to take up my cross and follow Him. Because if He had not done that, I would still, to this day, been stagnating in a la la Christian walk. The risk I take of pouring my heart, my weaknesses, my failings, my flaws on these blogs, of sounding like some emotionally unbalanced cuckoo clock are so worth it! I will gladly look like a fool, a fruitcake, if it makes a difference to even one person of the magnificence and glory of this amazing God we worship. I am sensitive, I hurt and break so very easily, I am emotional, I cry often, I am weak sometimes...I fall often, but when it comes to my faith in God, my love for Him.....I am like flint. And for anyone who so blithely states that the devil is to be ignored coz you are immune to attack....I challenge you to step out of your comfortable church life and head on out to the frontline coz that is where the battleground is. But you better make sure you are well and truly equipped because if you think you are immune to fiery darts...you are in for a rude awakening. I'm not afraid of the devil because I worship a God whose power is matchless, but it does not stop the devil from attacking me. I rest in the knowledge that when I am weak then He is strong, when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death....I can fear no evil coz His rod and staff comfort me. Forgive me for going on and on about this, but the plain truth is I have been under attack for a while now, and the events of the other night, coupled with what I encountered today has given me renewed vigour to speak out on this subject. I am tired of armchair Christianity. We are in the last days and the god of this world has stepped up his campaign....we need to be equipped to fight fire with fire, and we need some reality. Thanks for listening!   PenelopeCaptive of Hope |
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6/29/2008 3:10 am |
Amen Pen, atta go girl, in Christ you will win, he is your victor, God is using you. Gods way is my way,...Clay
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 6/29/2008 3:32 am |
     O my dear soldier of the cross, let's worship the Mighty One together! Let your gentleness be evident to all. Philippians 4:5
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6/29/2008 3:43 am |
Hi Mswarriorthingy, I'm really very new and just finding my way around slowly, but I read this blog and just had to say a resounding 'amen to that sister'! I agree with you 100 percent. Many blessings....Bee.
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 6/29/2008 4:44 am |
Great Post Penelope! You are so absolutely right! Our God is an AWESOME God! Amen? Amen!! Love you sis! GBY! ~PJ~ Check out these blogs! viruses inside your mind (For a mind antivirus!) My True Love! (For looking for your true love)
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6/29/2008 5:12 am |
Pen, you Rock... Tell em the way it is...GBY Truly Sue
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6/29/2008 6:41 am |
Rock on, sister! You are a warrior woman, and don't you ever forget it! You are a princess, a daughter of the King of Kings!
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6/29/2008 8:06 am |
Unfortunately, spiritual warfare is not taught in many churches. Many have never even heard of intercessory prayer. It sounds like this lady you mention could use some intercessors. Are you mentoring her in any way? Keep your armor on Pen! This group she has joined, well, if you ask me, a witch is a witch and a coven is not going to think real highly of anyone who influences one of their new members. If they are calling themselves "white" witches then they are probably just as deceived. This verse from Ephesians is running through my head right now: We fight not against flesh and blood but principalities of darkness. Email me if you can Pen... I want to talk to you about this a little bit.
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6/29/2008 8:13 am |
Darn it!! I so wish I could just call you right now! Argh!
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6/29/2008 8:34 am |
Hi Pen, Wonderful post! Like you I am sick of armchair Christianity and have only relatively recently moved near to the front line. I don't think I am quite there yet but I am getting closer. Satan's attacks on me are mainly in the area of temptation and he knows exactly where I am vulnerable. I am so glad to hear that this young Christian has found someone who knows the score and is in a position to help her. I so appreciate your willingness to share what is REALLY happening in your life - I wish I had the same courage. Bless you real good! Peter "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth" 2 Timothy 2 v 15
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6/29/2008 9:23 am |
No armchair Christian here, either. But one who's road is perhaps a little different than yours sweet girl. I lived the life you described in your last post - both growing up with my Pentecostal parents and for some years myself. God took me down a different path and for me (not judging what's going on for you dear friend), after dealing with some personal, emotional and physical issues I found the "attacks" were no longer so emotional and debilitating. In fact, resisting the enemy, not allowing a him a foot in the door was all part of how I took care of myself . . . now, the attacks come in other areas where I have weakness . . . relationships, etc. But knowing that and having on my armor keeps the enemy at bay. And has brought me to a place of peace, which is the hallmark of the fruit of the spirit. I appreciated Terri's post this morning on the "seasons" of our lives. It is so applicable to all of us. I'm risking offending you and others by saying this, I know. But I so firmly believe that we give the Devil too much credit. We glory, in a way, in our suffering. Unwittingly leaving doors open to him that are in our purview to close. So I'm going to continue to be the "voice crying in the wilderness" dear one. I believe our Christian walk is far more practical than we often want to embrace. Christ is our shining example, as are the disciples: II Cor 4  -9 "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."The Christian walk is not an easy one, but neither is it a roller coaster. God wants to bring us to a place where no matter what is happening in our lives, the promises of Ps. 23 are real and we minister from a place of peace, joy and restoration. Bless you on your journey Pen - the battle is the Lord's; He's our Warrior. Psalm 23 A psalm of David. 1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, [a] I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Susan aka Red God gives the very best to those who leave the choices to Him. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine...to Him be the glory. Eph 3:20 The parable of a man and his car The Cottage
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6/29/2008 9:30 am |
Pen I too must say, "amen sister! You are so right in that we must get out of churchianity and be about living Christ, and fighting the good fight, and being well equipped to serve the Lord and reach the lost and dying from a world that is getting darker with each day. You go girl! Karen Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness!
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6/29/2008 11:51 am |
Reminds me of the song "The Warrior Is a Child". I have had a good deal of teaching in spiritual warfare but I find I am mostly in agreement with ReadingandRoses....I think our focus needs to be on the work at hand...the enemy can quickly be dealt with; it is not a struggle, the battle's already been won. I think that we need to resist the enemy using the authority that Jesus Christ has given us; having done that keep him in his place; he is nothing we need to be frightened of. The name of our Lord is all-powerful...there is no contest. The enemy can come in different way...whether by influencing our emotions, our health, or by deception...to name just a few...; as we are in constant fellowship with God we are not only more clearly able to discern his voice, but also the tactics of the enemy and having done so to quickly deal with him. There is no straining, no needing to fear doing God's work because we might stir up the enemy. With the authority given us we take care of him up front, stay vigilant to his ways, but focus on and place the importance on our Almighty God and the work He has set before us. No fear and no focus on that which is not worthy of it. He is no fool if he should choose to lose the things he cannot keep to gain what he can never lose.....Jim Elliott Deena 
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6/29/2008 12:55 pm |
Wow!!! Pen, you've got it right on!!! Corrie is right. We need to be intercessors for this young woman and you need to protect yourself. The devil won't be happy you've stepped in! I'm praying for you, Pen. We all need to realize that this is very real. Put on the armour of God!!!!! And stand fast, Pen, for help is on the way!!!
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6/29/2008 1:11 pm |
There is sometimes a greater battle that rages within us. It is the struggle with self....the last stronghold of the devil as one completely surrenders all. You see, dearest Pen, I've been there and it is agony, a spiritual battle not even my voice can fight. In abuse, the inner child never grows up. The grown-up woman can become a parent to this inner child and teach the child, assure her, encourage her. If the woman ignores the inner child, it will only cry louder, confuse the woman, and she will sense restlessness and fightings within her. As I came closer to bringing the inner child to adulthood where she learned that I was the boss, she could trust me to make good choices, that God was our Father and was not going to let either one of us down.....there came up such a spiritual battle, the last stronghold where the devil had used my fear, mistrust, made me react instead of act as an adult....that I was up all night conversation journaling with my inner child assuring her that she was all grown-up now and I was putting her in the right place and order of my life....that she was still valuable to me as a person....but that little Beth has all grown up, was finally whole....that I counted God's faithfulness...and there was no more fear in what life would bring me for I KNEW how to handle it through God's Word. I think you are at the end of emotional adulthood and growth. Fear is no longer going to play part in how your react emotionally..you are wanting balance with the pendulum in perfect regularity....and it is that battle, that last stronghold of self that the devil still wants to have. You are at the brink of what both Susan and FloridaGal are speaking about....maturity in Christ. Pen, it is OK not to fight so hard out of self. It is OK to get your atomic weapon from God's Word and just shoot it or let our Mighty God take over by simply surrender and letting him do it....you are such a wonderfullllll warrior and God so loves you and is proud that you are.....but dearest Pen....sometimes all He wants you to do is surrender all....and let HIM. And David took five stones and killed the giant with only one....as God instructed HIM.....and the walls of Jericho fell down only with the blow of trumpets....and...... You see, my dearest Pen.....God wants faithful and obedience....Surrender is all He wants from broken spirits and children with holes in their hearts.....He just wants us to acknowledge we no longer can, don't know how....but will you, God...I don't know how to do it anymore MYSELF!! Only then the battle will be over for only then will the devil no longer hold anything over us....the battle IS won....except some of us just think we ought to keep fighting....some of us don't know that God is just waiting for us to confess and acknowledge HIM and HIS POWER...I was one of them. Love, Beth P.S. Yes, I do believe in spiritual warfare and for those mature Christians who have encountered spiritual uneasiness because of oppression....I believe it. Jesus encountered it and prayed, prayed, prayed. For those of us who say it is easy....no!...I do perceive, however, that all of us must examine our own hearts and ask the Holy Spirit what the reason is for our uneasiness. I've not experienced the latter which perhaps you are experiencing. I did want to share with you my experience about fighting self and the devil using that to hold me back from acknowledging HIS POWER. Peace,Beth In all thy ways ackowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths. Prov 3:6
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6/29/2008 2:09 pm |
Susan's rollercoaster comments reminds me once again of Psalm 27:11 "Teach me Your way, O LORD, And lead me in a level path Because of my foes." beside which I have written 'roller coaster' where God first began to teach me that. I have to agree too with Susan and floridagal that so much of what we blame on the enemy comes actually out of our unhealed hurts, unresolved issues, and unmet needs...although I don't agree with everything she says, a woman named Liberty Savard has taught me so much on this front. In her book, Breaking the Power, she says, "These areas of vulnerability produce the pain, fear, and doubt that keep you from fully surrendering to an intimate relationship with God. They are the source of the fear and pain that your soul unleashes whenever you move too close to God-the neediness, hopelessness, insecurity, anger, confusion, and wrong desires that kept bringing defeat into your life." That's the inner child stuff that Beth is talking about and its that kid that's fearful as she continues to choose to face those things in the past...and let the LORD touch them and heal them. Listen to her, love her, embrace her so she will feel safe to go there with your support! ALL CHILDREN NEED A LAPTOP....
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6/29/2008 2:14 pm |
AND, I totally agree with you on the Armchair Christianity! I so wish you lived next door and I'd give you a copy of my Every Day with Jesus devotional which has been about fighting fire with Fire for the past few months. Matthew 3:11-12 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and [with] fire: 12 Whose fan [is] in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. ALL CHILDREN NEED A LAPTOP....
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6/29/2008 2:27 pm |
Actually verse 12 up there wasn't REALLY the verse I meant to post...only 11 for the context of this post...so just one more post and I'll stop hogging your blog.  Hebrews 1 , "And the angels He saith, Who maketh His angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire." The Word of God was as fire in the bones of Jeremiah. Jeremiah 20:99, "Then I said, I will not make mention of Him, nor speak any more of His name. But His Word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forebearing, and I could not stay." David said that while he was musing, the fire burned. Psalm 39:3, "My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue."Obviously then, the Holy Spirit appears by fire was the key thingy I was want to say up there  ALL CHILDREN NEED A LAPTOP....
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6/29/2008 6:55 pm |
Excelent blog Pen...keep on fighting and us warriors are fighting with you...March On! And God Bless!
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6/29/2008 11:32 pm |
I pray that the Lord will be a protection around you as you guide this lady and I pray for God to give you wisdom and understanding in new and mighty ways. You are truly Tawanda!! i pray that the kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our Lord!! Truth is Black and White Paula Marie
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6/29/2008 11:48 pm |
well Pen you've seen the results of your post hunny, do you think anyone here thinks you're cuckoo?? I think not! CUTE, feisty, fun are words I'd use to describe you hunny  I've been moved out of my church too, and looking for a fellowship where I will fit in my small town....I want to be anonymous for a while, how hard that is in a small town  He will show me just as He is showing you. Proud of ya girl Luv is patient, kind, unselfish, hopes 4 the best...
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6/30/2008 3:34 pm |
Hello dear Pen, we are all on the same topic recently... amazing huh? Everyone uses one's own words and we understand. I won't be writing much... I did a long post today, because my yesterday comment had been deleted... I hate when that happens... LOL! And if at times I make it too complicated, still the simply abiding by Him fully, is what gives the right energy in all directions, both to manage our own life and to project it into others. And yes, age, experience and maturity, all come along in the baggage, and one learns from one's previous errors... Still I think each one of us is called into different course of actions as they don't need to be the same for everyone; also according to the gifts received and the environment where one already is in, will give different ways to promote faith and encouragement also "out there", where it seems that God has been completely forgotten. I hope to be led to do more, but I don't "push it" (as in biting more than I can chew), and therefore I wait patiently for the right leading whenever I get one. You have a lot of friends here too, that have encouraged you to the extent of their abilities. It's already a plus to be able to rely on someone, and be oneself considered reliable. I haven't read all of your latest posts since I've been involved in a few other topics... But here it comes a little blessing for a progressive larger blessing in your life!!! BB __________ 
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6/30/2008 9:29 pm |
You KNOW the TRUTH and the TRUE will protect you...don't buy the lies. God knows who you are and so do your friends!! WE ALL go through trials...You and I know about those revelations...never let go...You have a high calling in Him!!!!! Truth is Black and White Paula Marie
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7/1/2008 3:24 am |
amen dear sister thank you for being real and telling truths the adversary is like a roaring lion with no teeth because the victory has been already won by the shed blood of Jesus Christ our Savior and King ...but like you said to the young in Christ or even old that dont understand spititual warfare the enemy can play with their walk with God and cause them to have doubts but let it be known satan you are a liar and father of all lies theres no truth in you..... Princess Penelope....warrior woman of the Most High God!!! ........ you go sis love in christ bennilee bennilee
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7/1/2008 4:36 am |
Dearest Pen, I agree that fight with self is never over until we are with HIM. I was merely talking about the inner child....there comes a time we need to parent the inner child into adulthood....it is a great struggle to do this because it is the devil's stronghold. All abused and abandoned children understand there is that child who never fully developed and is still in survival mode inside of us reacting as a child instead of thinking and acting as an adult...you can see this little children in grown adults for they are impatient, quick to anger, protective, impulsive, and react by survival instinct of self. When, as I, had done all the work to recovery...it came time to put little Beth in the right place...the devil knew it and I wrestled with him in the same way as you wrestled....I got sick, threw up, and I KNEW it was the last great stronghold...that after that my life would be smoothing out, more victorious. Like you...I feel misunderstood... when I speak of this particular struggle with "self" because it is the least understood...the inner child concept....in no means did I want to convey that struggle with our own will is ever over. I think it is the same with maturity in Christ....it is how we react when we are immature.....it is how we ACT in Christ when we are mature in HIM....but I hear you. Pride is ever at the forefront and that is where our closeness to Him and our desire to glorify HIM only takes a great part. So...in having said all that...let it just be...for we see from different views and all is good between us. Love, Beth Peace,Beth In all thy ways ackowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths. Prov 3:6
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7/3/2008 1:20 pm |
Wow Pen, What a writer you are.This is Great n i very much need t know these things.I simply can`t wait for ya book.Keep em comin Sister coz you are such an insperation. Yours in CHRIST, Wendy   Show me the way Sweet JESUS.Lead and i Will follow.
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Thank you Sue...bless you too darling! 
but I also know my strengths...I'm a donkey warrior woman with grunt...but when I get a stone in my hoof....ouchie!!!! 
