Still A Warrior

Many people in many different places have prayed for me. In hospital rooms, on mountains, in houses, sitting in cars, or just by waiting in church, people have interceded for me in many ways. It is because of the prayers of others that I not only realized the importance of prayer, but how to intercede for others as well.

They would say things like..

“Ja-cob, I pray for you all the time, every-day. I love you so much.”

“Hey Jake, we love you and are praying for you.”

“Hey man, God’s got this…”

“God loves you and has plans for you…”

“I prophesy…”

Lately I have forgotten the power and importance of prayer. This current month of September is a month many believe will be ripe with adversity. If you just “google” any thing related to end-times prophecy and September 2015, you will find a lot of information related to certain people’s beliefs. You can also rest assured, that I have looked at or worried about most of it. While I have longed for heaven and the chance to be free from my illnesses, I also don’t want to lose the chance to live on my own or achieve my dreams, should an economic collapse, etc. occur.

Wanting an escape from my worries and my current obstacles, I decided to take the bus down to the “fancy” theater here in Fort Collins and watch War Room. I got my small bag of popcorn, then walked in and sat with about six elderly couples. I was the only “young ‘un” in sight.

Until last year, with the exception of The Passion of the Christ, “Christian” movies did not do very well. Their hearts were in the right place, but the acting and the quality of the films simply did not match up.

There were some parts of the movie that could have been acted better. Yet, I don’t think that is an issue, because the lessons and the realities of the film are real, all “too real” indeed.

The character of Miss Clara is a spot on portrayal of many women, black and white, from the South who love the Lord deeply. Yet, there was a memory of one lady, that as Miss Clara prayed, moved, and counseled those around her in the movie, that could not escape my thoughts.

My dear “Aunt Sara” from Uganda, the lady who prayed with me and for me and my family on all three of my trips, and long after I was gone, was just as enthusiastic and loving, just as passionate for Jesus as Miss Clara.

Watching the movie, I was not only reminded of the power of prayer and the passion of those who pursue Jesus. I was reminded of what happens when God answers prayer.

There comes a point in the film where Priscilla Shirer’s character, Elizabeth Jordan’s husband, Tony has to confess to some sin and possibly face jail-time. He and his wife both pray for God to intervene. Then, with a short unexpected visit from his former boss, Tony only experiences minor consequences compared to what he truly deserved.

And all his wife Elizabeth can say is, “Tony, that was GRACE!”

There have been many times in college and over the years when I’ve messed up. I’ve lost things, missed meetings, gotten to class late. There has been time after time when I’ve felt the world around me was ending and it had nothing to do with the actual world ending at all.

And time after time, like Miss Clara says at the end of the film War Room, “Lord, you’ve done it again.” He continually offers grace, mercy, and salvation if we just are willing to ask for and receive it.

He also offers hope. As Miss Clara prayed and a montage was shown, of kids praying at flagpoles, church members bowing collectively, a cop reading his bible alone in a locker room, and a quick shot of the Capitol building in DC, I was reminded that God is in control and that prayer not only brings us closer to God and strengthens us, it unites as a body of believers across nations and seas.

I’m still “Jacobo.” I’m still broken, but I’m also still a warrior. Though you and I fight against many things, let us remember together that we become true “warriors” when we realize, like Miss Clara in the movie reminds us, who our true enemy is, how to fight against that enemy, and who is the one and only King that empowers, forgives, and unites all.

Until Next Time,

Jacobo, a fellow warrior.