and feel they don ’ t have enough of that “ special something ” to be a heroic leader . Even after reading a biblical account like that of Gideon defeating 135,000 men with only 300 soldiers , or of Jael pounding a tent stake into the head of an enemy of Israel , they wait to feel as if they were made of steel or could leap tall buildings . Of course , these superpowers will never develop , and the supposed victim might never show up . Yet the prospect of being a godly hero is still an attainable and desired possibility .
The godly hero fights and wins the war of the soul , seeking to know and choose the path required to attain excellence rather than settle for something easier or more convenient to attain . The war of the soul involves a battle against every immoral temptation to abandon character and integrity ; it seeks to resist the immediate thrill that ultimately produces long-lasting and detrimental consequences .
The war also includes the willingness to face the fears of a future that cannot be predicted , the work required to conquer anger and frustration over people and situations that cannot be controlled in the present , and the wisdom to eliminate shame and regret over a past that cannot be altered .
This war — the war of the soul — must be won by every hero . If it is not , moments of great accomplishment and recognition will fade into a painful emptiness that demands to be quenched by an impulsive act .
The war of the soul is not won in an instant , but continually and over a lifetime . Jesus fought and won this war when he was confronted by Satan in the wilderness . He also fought and won in the Garden of Gethsemane on the night before he would be tortured , nailed to a cross , and crucified . The “ blood sweat ” Jesus experienced in the garden ( Luke 22:44 ) was a symptom of hematidrosis , a rare condition brought on by intense agony — evidence of the intensity of Jesus ’ war of the soul and how hard he fought .
Before he won the war of the soul for everyone , Jesus spoke to his Father about whether any other path might accomplish the salvation of those who trust in him . But there was no other option than the perfect Son of God dying for the sins of the rest of us who — in and of ourselves — will never be perfect enough to stand in the presence of our holy God .
“ The godly hero fights and wins the war of the soul , seeking to know and choose the path required to attain excellence rather than settle for something easier or more convenient to attain .”
Once Jesus confirmed that his torturous death was the only possible way to save you and me , he willingly accepted the mission to suffer greatly on our behalf . While enduring unspeakable humiliation and agony , he prayed for and forgave even those who had caused his suffering , proving his love for every one of us .
Godly heroes must follow the path of Jesus and win the war of the soul within before they go off to win other battles . They not only display the same
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