Savage Warrior: Called to Be Rugged & RighteousSample

Day 5:

Valor

There are plenty of courageous men in the Bible, but one of the more notable underdogs I relate most with is Gideon. He was a common, ordinary man in his own mind. Self-identifying as the youngest and smallest in the “weakest of clans” (tribe or family), he had grown accustomed to being average and seemingly insignificant. How often are we comfortable with flying under the radar, just wanting to be left alone? Have you ever disqualified yourself based on the history of your family tree or your own personal past? Of course—we all have at some point, and, if you’re honest, more times than we are proud to admit. Thankfully, God sees more in our potential than we see in ourselves. Thankfully, God shows up on our behalf and in ways beyond our own expectations.

Gideon was so convinced that he was unqualified and incapable of not only hearing clearly from the angel of the Lord but was also convinced he was NOT the man for the job of fighting the Midianites. In fact, as we still do today, he asked for signs of confirmation on several occasions as if to test the Lord. As if to say, “Lord, are you sure you want me?” or “Lord, prove to me that this is real.” It is more realistic and conceivable for us to believe the worst in our ability or our purpose. We often gravitate toward the reasons we can’t more than the reasons we can.

Savage warriors give themselves permission to forge ahead without too much reasoning or negotiation. Mighty men of valor (Judges 6:12) understand that the cost of NOT fighting for a worthwhile cause far outweighs the sacrifice and courage required to complete the mission. God calls us all mighty men of valor and created us to lean into hard situations. He designed us to be warriors of resilience, leadership, and perseverance beyond the status quo. The days of passivity, apathy, and insecurity are dead. In order to fulfill our calling and fully activate our true purpose, the collective men of God, the savage warriors, must arise once and for all. No plan B. No parachute. Never quit.