Part 2 of 4 – The Man of God Series

Last week we discussed how the Cowboy must learn self-mastery.  While the Cowboy might need some help along the way, this is largely an internal journey.  Unfortunately, many never transition out of the loneliness of this stage. No man fights a war alone; battles yes, but the war involves all men.  The Warrior life releases the Cowboy to be part of something larger and more significant.  The Warrior learns to lead others with faithfulness, hope, and courage.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NLT) A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

Goliath to Gath. 

To learn about the way of the Warrior, we revisit the life and story of David.  David’s victory over Goliath propelled him into the palace. His faithfulness and success in battle launched his recognition and fame.  His fame and notoriety made him the target of a fearful and insecure King Saul. David’s escape led him to escape Israel into Gath, a philistine (enemy) nation.  The shepherd boy was learning to be a King, but he must first be a warrior among warriors. A leader of warriors.

Lessons From David’s Wilderness Journey

David’s Wilderness

God likes to prepare his men in the wilderness. The wilderness is a place of trial and tribulation, where dependence upon God is necessary.  It is within the wilderness where God tends to reveal His nature and His power. David walked through his own wilderness and was transformed.

1 Samuel 22:1-2 (NLT) …Soon his brothers and all his other relatives joined him there. 2 Then others began coming—men who were in trouble or in debt or who were just discontented—until David was the captain of about 400 men.

David’s Flock 

David had a mighty flock of men, but they did not start out mighty.  They started out broken, in debt and ruined. But they stumbled into David’s camp and were restored and influenced by his great hope.  You see, David understood the power of God and His spirit. He knew God could do so much more than human effort could ever hope to accomplish.   When David looked at HIS MEN. He didn’t see where they had been. He saw what God could do in them and with them. After all, he was just a shepherd himself. A shepherd who killed giants.

Finding Your Way Into The Promise

The Wilderness is Where We Learn to Follow

It’s not about how you got into your wilderness.  What matters is how you come out. During difficult times, you must learn to lay down your own ambitions and ways of doing things.  By using hard times to become a better Christ-follower, you exit your wilderness in power and with a mission!

Romans 5:17 (ESV) For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.

The Wilderness is Where We Learn to HOPE

Are you a man of fact or are you a man of faith?  Do you allow your circumstances and past mistakes dictate your identity?  Or, are you the man your King declares you to be? When in the wilderness, learn to HOPE. Dare to hope for even the things that may seem impossible.

Philippians 1:20-21 (NLT) For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. 21 For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.

The Wilderness is Where We Learn to Love

Sure the wilderness is where we learn to follow and dare to hope, but it is also where we learn to love.  This isn’t the hugs and laughs kind of love. This is a bloody battle-hardened warrior kind of love. THIS IS HONOR.

Philippians 2:25, 29 (NLT) Meanwhile, I thought I should send Epaphroditus back to you. He is a true brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier. And he was your messenger to help me in my need… 29 Welcome him in the Lord’s love and with great joy, and give him the honor that people like him deserve.

Conclusion

The Warrior learns to lead others with faithfulness, hope, and courage.  This is how you will earn the privilege to lead:

• • Follow Jesus like Jesus followed the Father. (FAITHFULNESS)
  • Have more hope than anyone else. (HOPE)
  • Learn to love, encourage, and honor those God loves and for whom Jesus died for. (COURAGE)