A handful of women gathered around the planked table in the back corner of the local coffee shop. Teas, lattes, and hearts, were stirred.
Some asking God to answer specific prayers, some seeing God answer prayers in spectacular ways, and others patiently waiting for heart-wrenching prayers to surface⎯yet, all are joyfully confident that their God is mightily at work in their lives.
It’s a powerful moment when we realize we’re surrounded by warriors.
As I drove home that morning, I thanked God for these friends but somehow, I felt as if God was calling me to action. To be thankful for someone is great, but to act on that gratitude can be a game changer.
So what do we do in those moments when imperfect, tenacious lovers of God cross our path?
1. {Thank God for her} “I thank my God every time I remember you.” Philippians 1:3
2. {Ask, “What can I learn from her example?”} Desiring to have a teachable spirit enables us to resist the comparison trap, and instead, embrace the truth that we are to spur one another on! It’s biblical, it’s beautiful, and it is gospel-driven. Iron sharpens iron, sisters.
3. {Keep her off a pedestal of our own making} Sometimes we don’t realize we’ve put a person on a pedestal until they trip up…and we’re surprised.
4. {Pray for her, as well as her family} The prayer of a righteous {not perfect} person is powerful and effective. We know that’s the last thing the enemy desires so it’s only supernatural that prayer warriors are often under attack, as well as their families.
5. {Love her} Be present when needed. Send a card, sharing specific ways God has used her to bless our lives. Offer to pray specifically for her/family.
Is there some way I can pray for you today, my warrior friend? Are you feeling more like a weary warrior these days? It’s okay. You’re not alone. I welcome the opportunity to pray for you.
Imagine sipping tea in a rose garden. {No fancy gloves required!} Because this is one of my all-time favorite teas, I had to share a canister with you in this month’s giveaway.
Thanks for this post, Cathy. Right now I find myself in a hard place spiritually, BUT, God has placed a friend in my life who continues to encourage and spur me on. I thank God for her and have been working on each of the ways you listed to love her as well.
Love tea and would like to try this!
Ellen, I'm sorry to hear that you're in a hard place right now. I will certainly be praying for you, my warrior friend — and I don't use that term loosely. You're an encourager to the bone (I know from experience!) I thank God He has placed someone like that in your life right now. Thank you for taking the time to share. Praying!
And I would love for you to try it, GrammaGrits! Thanks for sharing. Good luck with next week's drawing. 🙂 Blessings…
Nicely done, Cathy. Warriors of all sorts battle fatigue, especially in a never ending cycle of preparation, load out, transportation, activity, losses and recovery. A buddy along side to exhort, edify, and comfort is priceless. Thanks for being here. Warren
Thank you for being here, Warren. I love the descriptions of the battle you described. One might think you know a lot about the battle scene. 🙂 I appreciate that you know much about the physical, as well as the spiritual battles raging around us. So thankful to share this battlefield with you, my friend. Blessings!
Another beautiful reminder that we're never alone in our battle fatigue. Warriors can make the difference. And I LOVE your list! Perfect!
Amen, Vonda! I'm so thankful you are one of those warriors in my life. 🙂
Hello Cathy! I am new to your blog & I'm really glad I found it. I live in the beautiful City of Roses, Portland, Oregon so my favorite tea is a good rose tea. I do need some prayers for myself. I have severe Fibromyalgia & have been in so much pain lately that I can barely move. If I could please have some prayers said for me to at least have one day of being either pain-free or at least have it manageable, I would really appreciate it.
I just want to thank you for offering to pray for others that are having a difficult time right now. I have a niece who, after years of her & her husband trying to conceive, just miscarried & is having a really difficult time with it. If loving thoughts & healing prayers could please be sent her way, that would be wonderful.
Hi Erika! It's such a blessing to "meet" you here. I appreciate your sharing these requests with me. I am praying for your Fibromyalgia as well as your niece's loss. I miscarried years ago and have an inkling as to how she must be feeling right now. Makes my heart hurt for them. May you all sense God's every-present arms around you! Blessings to you from SC…
I love pretty much any tea, but constant comment is always a favorite. I always appreciate a good prayer but it seems like there are people here who could use that extra attention and love, so I'll just add them to my list 🙂
Hi Ally! Thanks so much for sharing your favorite tea and I especially thank you for lifting up the needs shared on this post. 🙂 I will pray for you, knowing that the Holy Spirit is aware of your every need. Blessings to you! Good luck with the drawing. 🙂