Ezer Emunah

The Guardian Woman Takes Action

Watch out!

When we women take on our natural and first-appointed role as the quote-un-quote helpmate, we are shields of protection and agents of change–the Ezer Woman created to help the man in ways our earthly cultures have forgotten to recognize.

When God told Adam He needed a helper, He called this helper ezer. Ezer is a Hebrew Word used 21 times in the Old Testament, and apart from the first two uses in Genesis (referring to the woman), God primarily uses this word to describe what He is to Israel when Israel is in trouble. Another Old Testament use is when Israel needs help from her powerful neighboring countries.

By God’s standards and original language, helpmate means the one to powerfully intervene.

When humankind is in trouble, it is the women that are to have everyone’s spiritual backs.

Doesn’t this paint a clearer picture of Eve’s temptation? If Satan could take out Eve, Adam would be easy fodder. Our enemy’s successful plan has morphed the world not only in the deadly-curse ways, but in societal ways, too. Across the world, women are second-class citizens or slaves to religious laws–not the warriors we’ve been called to be.

We women are right where the enemies of God want us.

Is it any wonder, considering Satan’s knowledge of the potential spiritual power of a woman, that his plan is to keep women in a perceived weaker role?

Though we still live in a cursed world, we have been redeemed by the blood of Christ. Bought and now paid for, our gender roles can be restored! There is no better time than now.

Our Current Situation

Hyperinflation, food shortages. Increased immorality, ramped addictions, and wars knocking at our doors (Russia/Ukraine/Israel/Iran).  Isolation … rejection … the cancel culture.

Do any of the above circumstances jumpstart the anxiety?

These fear-inducing commodities are sold to us hourly by the media, sometimes well-meaning friends, and even a few of our supposed spiritual leaders. Fear is one of our enemies’ top sellers and we, not fully comprehending our royalty or positions as warriors, lift the apple from the hand of evil, ingesting the poison just as we should be stepping onto the battlefield.

It is time for Christian women to cast off fear and claim their God-given role in this world.

Fear Not When Engaging

Scattered throughout Scripture are various forms of the phrase fear not and the message is so prevalent, I fear (pun intended) we gloss over the passages without considering the weight of this command. In Joshua 1:9, God says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid.” These words are imperative—God does not make a suggestion to fear not here. This is an order from our Maker.

And because women were created as militant helpers, it’s time we take our call seriously.

Astonishing

Fear-laden Christians befuddle me, and the reason may well be because I have my own fear issues. Here’s the deal: I love to make people happy. Seeing smiles on faces is my heart’s desire but as a parent, a grandparent, a corporate manager, and Bible teacher, I’m called to be honest and that sometimes requires saying things people don’t want to hear. At the core of my people-pleasing tendencies is a fear of rejection–not wounds, or scars, or a post battle limp like Jacob’s (Genesis 32:22-32), but rejection. The enemies of God have held me back because I’ve been afraid that people in my inner circle, or people I wanted in my inner circle would reject me.

Since when is should a warrior be concerned with popularity?

Since the fall of woman and man.

Everything is topsy-turvey.

In this blessed age of grace, it’s time to take action against the fears growing in our society.

Faith is an Action Word

In our Laodicean-esque culture the word faith has come to identify our spiritual philosophy rather than our spiritual being or essence. We tend to view faith as religion we’ve signed off on. The Hebrew word for faith is emunah and this is an action word defined as help, support, or defense. Faith is the substance of who God is. Our faith is not about what we believe (God exists) but the person/deity we believe in. He is all in all. He sustains, He protects, He lives, He saves.

And because He is all the above, we have no reason to fear. We are to fear not!

I think of those team-building exercises at wilderness camps. In one activity, some brave soul volunteers to fall backwards off a platform into the waiting arms of wide-eyed participants below, building trust in the team. I don’t know about you, but I’ve seen too many Youtube videos of experiments like this going wrong. But with Jesus, we don’t fall into human arms. We fall into the source of all power. When I’m on the proverbial platform and called to jump, my heart pounds at the thought. But I take that anxious step and fall (faith) knowing Christ will not only catch me but is with me as I descend. This is faith. This is how we battle–in Christ.

Faith is not a belief. Faith is an action. Women, your faith should show up in practical, but powerful ways.

But First, Fear the Lord

In the book of Deuteronomy, the Lord says: You shall fear only the Lord your God; and you shall worship Him … Deuteronomy 6:24

Wow. This is your motivation.

Fearing God alone means respecting Him and His seat of honor–His throne of sovereignty. Think of it as a robust respect for that hot pot, the height of that cliff, and that powerful storm. All of these can cause you harm, yet all are good in their respective ways. He is to be feared. But He is also the good commander directing your every swing of the sword.

The Scriptures below explain the fear of the Lord better than I ever could:

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge … Proverbs 1:7

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom … Psalm 111:10

The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life … Proverbs 14:27

The fear of the Lord leads to life … Proverbs 19:23

Step Up Today

Let’s battle!

What doe battle look like? Armor up and pray against growing, societal fears in our church bodies, families, and own hearts. Because encouragement is a powerful battle tactic (Paul reminds us over and over again to encourage one another for a reason), determine to be an encourager in these times of discouragement. Counter the cancel culture with the grace you’ve been measured through Christ’s sacrifice. Show mercy, but do not stand for lies.

Pray against the lies taught in public schools.

Pray against the spirit of addiction capturing more souls than we even know.

Pray for our fellow workers in the fields harvest in other cultures.

And if you really want to land a blow against the enemy’s head — lead a nonbeliever to Christ. You can do it. You’ve been equipped.

You have nothing to fear and everything to gain for Christ. If you are a woman, you are the Ezer with Emunah.

Fear God. Not man. In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? – Psalm 56:4

Let’s do this!

If I perish, I perish,

Laurie

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