Lessons From War Room

 

Seeing this movie once was not enough. I had to see it a second time, and would gladly pay for another ticket at the theater again. Purchasing the DVD when it comes out is a must!

Yes, it is that good!

There are many movies I’ve enjoyed and watched repeatedly over the years. Sleepless In Seattle comes to mind as does The Rose, You’ve Got Mail, A Star Is Born and many others. Each of these movies I’ve seen many times for the entertainment value and overall theme.

War Room, however, has had a different impact on me. It’s a movie with a message. A message of the power of prayer and the power of love. And, I believe, a message directly from God.

Both times I saw War Room it was all I could do to keep from weeping during several scenes. At the end my tears just flowed, unabashedly, without a way to stop them. Many walked out of the theater in tears while others left as if they’d been to any other movie. Why some were moved to tears and some were not perplexes an emotional person like me. On the other hand, I also know God connects with us in many different ways. He’s wonderful like that. He speaks to us in ways we sometimes don’t expect. He spoke to me through War Room.

We are in the middle of a War

Good vs. evil has always been part of life. Maybe it’s just me, but it seems evil is getting worse and worse and good is seen less and less.

In my article, Doomsday Preparation, I spoke of making sure our hearts are prepared more so than our pantries for doomsday. One of the reasons for my tears after seeing War Room was of shame. Have I been on my knees for our messed up country lately? Have I gone before the Lord with prayers for revival in this land? A little, yes, but not nearly as much as I should. God is still in control, but I believe He’s waiting to hear from us.

Just because we call ourselves Christians, doesn’t mean a hill of beans unless we are actively praying for our family, friends and those the Lord has called us to minister to. I don’t mean the kind of little prayer thrown up now and then so we can feel like we’ve prayed. I mean actual, on our knees, sincere from every ounce of our being, prayers. We can and must do better! Will you join me?

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV

Everyone needs a Miss Clara in their life

I know I need a Miss Clara and will pray daily for God to bring me mine until she shows up. I’ve been blessed to be a Miss Clara to a few along my journey, but have never really had one for myself. It’s taken me a long time to realize just how much I need a Miss Clara. It seems odd to confess that here, but I suppose I needed to.

Miss Clara didn’t give Elizabeth a bunch of platitudes to make her feel better in her circumstances. Instead, she hit her right between the eyes by showing her she wasn’t helping the situation with her thoughts or actions. We all need that now and then. When we can’t see the truth, enough to get out of God’s way, we need someone willing to put a mirror in front of us because they care enough to do so.

We also need someone a bit more mature in Christ to keep pointing us to Him when we get complacent. Yes, everyone needs a Miss Clara.

Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. Hebrews 13:7

We are all called to be a Miss Clara for someone else

One of the most meaningful sermons from my favorite Pastor, Kevin Odor, was titled No One Stands Alone. He, along with the rest of the staff, decided to set the example for the rest of us who were volunteering throughout the church. Everyone would have someone to encourage and pray for them as well as be accountable to. And, in turn, we would do the same for someone else. Knowing we have someone in our corner, who will also poke us in the nose if we need it, is so valuable to the growth of the kingdom of God.

New to faith? Think you aren’t equipped to be a Miss Clara? Not true. I guarantee, if you ask God to bring you someone younger in faith than you, who needs encouragement and a prayer partner, He will. It doesn’t matter how much you know about the Bible, it matters only that you have asked Jesus to be the Lord of your life. Someone needs you to let them know how much Jesus loves them too.

Iron sharpens iron,
So one man sharpens another. 
Proverbs 27:17

Women want and need their men to be the spiritual leader of the home

In the movie, Elizabeth and Tony are more like prize fighters at opposite corners of the ring. Tony is leading the family, but not in ways that make God or his wife happy. Things begin to change for the better when Tony is faced with the reality of his poor choices and what they’ve done to his family.

Elizabeth, like most women, wanted to be proud of the way her man led their family, not ashamed and discouraged. Though she had to take the spiritual leadership role initially, she gladly gave that roll over to Tony when he was ready and willing.

One of the best lines in the movie was when Elizabeth said to Tony, “I’d rather have a man chasing Jesus than a house full of stuff”. Amen and amen!!

A married woman once told me she would commit to prayer and church as soon as her husband did. She felt it was his responsibility to lead her in that direction. Though I completely understood her dismay at her husband’s lack of spiritual leadership, I reminded her that she and she alone was responsible for the relationship she developed with God. If she truly had asked Jesus to be the Lord of her life, it was disrespectful to put Him off while waiting for her husband to follow along.

Sometimes we lead, sometimes we follow. Either way, we follow Jesus. And that, my friends, is a very good thing. Amen?!

A word to single mom’s. Do not be discouraged. You are absolutely the spiritual leader of your home. It’s a high honor to lead another to a closer relationship with Jesus. Especially our children.

I am proud to say I was the spiritual leader of my home while raising my son as a single mother. Some of the best times of my life were during those years.

God was and always will be my leader in all things. He is yours too.

Even though I am now married to the man of my dreams, Jesus will always hold the top spot in my heart. Ask Him to take that place in yours too. I promise, it will make all the difference in the world!

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7

Father God, we come humbly before You and ask Your hand to be on this land. We pray for revival in our country, our homes and our hearts. Forgive our complacency and lack of spiritual courage. Please bring a Miss Clara to those of us who need one and help us to be a Miss Clara to those who need us. Thank You for Your love and grace. In the matchless name of Jesus, amen.

Praying with and for you.

In His embrace,

Toni

 

 

 

 

6 comments to Lessons From War Room

  • Nancy Yoshida  says:

    Hi Toni,
    What a great article on this amazing and powerful movie.
    Oh yes, you have been and still are my Miss Clara. I cried when i read your article because I too know that often my prayers are superficial and though I know God loves to hear from me anytime and all the time, I’m sure he wishes I was on my aging knees and more in the Spirit.
    I too have been Miss Clara to other women and especially to my family. It is a wonderful gift when the Holy Spirit prompts you to mentor someone.
    Thank God for you and the example you set for me in this regard.
    This morning I met a lady at the DMV, she had just lost her Mom. Her Mom was a Jehovah Witness , but my new friend Trena knew she didn’t want to follow that . I invited her to join me at service Sunday and I am praying she will.
    God does use us in great and mysterious ways especially if we are close to Him and asking Him to bless us in this way.
    Thank you Toni for being my Miss Clara, for always being there for me and for growing me in my faith and Love of God.
    I love you Dear Friend.

    • Toni  says:

      Oh Nancy… What loving words from a woman I hold in my heart each and every day. The Lord uses you and Steve in incredible ways as Mentors and friends to many. Thank you for giving me such encouragement today and all along our journey as friends and sisters in Christ. I love and miss you more than you know.
      Please let me know how the Lord uses you to encourage your new friend. I’ll be praying for the two of you.

  • Kristine  says:

    You are absolutely right, Toni. I could see that movie again and again, and learn something new every time! Thank you for outlining some key lessons here. This is a GREAT review for those of us who were moved by the powerful message in the movie. Blessings!

    • Toni  says:

      Thank you so much Kristine!! I so appreciate your thoughts and am so glad my article was a blessing to you.

      God bless you and yours!

      Toni

  • Rachel Britton  says:

    I have not seen War Room yet, but I believe in the power of prayer being absolutely vital for our own lives, our families, and others around us. My husband says I come back a different person after I’ve been out for my prayer walk. Prayer changes things.

    • Toni  says:

      Rachel,

      I love hearing from other writers! Thank you!
      Yes indeed, “prayer changes things!”
      Do yourself a favor and rent War Room when it comes out on DVD. You will not be disappointed!

      Many blessing for your trip to Israel. 🙂

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