God’s Ninja Warriors

Airing Monday nights on NBC at 8/7c is a family friendly show that encourages hard work, perseverance, and competition. America Ninja Warrior, now airing for its 7^th season is, off to an amazing start. The show’s concept stems from the television series Sasuke where competitors move through a set of progressive challenges in obstacle course fashion. Competing from around the nation, athletes are eliminated by failing to complete an obstacle. Those who are able to finish the course are then narrowed down into 10 finalists who compete in the ultimate showdown which take place in Mount Midoriyama in Japan. However, as of the 6^th season, no one has completed the final round.

Having to train for hours and months at a time, each athlete has a story they bring to the show revealing why they have chosen to compete at such a level. Competitors in all shapes, sizes, and gender have made their attempts. The show has set several moments in history including Stephen France an amputee who competed with a prosthetic limb. 52 year old Jon Stewart was recorded as the oldest person to complete the Finals Course. Chris and Brian Wilczewski, otherwise known as “The Brothers Wilczewski” were the first brothers to compete and make it to Mount Midoriyama at the same time. Also, three women have completed the course including Michelle Warnky, Meagan Martin, and Kacy Catanzaro who used to be an NCAA gymnast.

The amount of time, preparation, and dedication it takes to become a Ninja Warrior is no small task. You have to be willing to sacrifice time in order to prepare for the challenge that lies ahead.

As a follower of Jesus, we are called to be warriors for Christ. Although the job of being one of God’s warriors may not be aired on national television or even made as public knowledge, the task is even greater than physically training your body.

You must be prepared by first putting on the armor of God girding your waist with the truth of the gospel, putting on the breastplate of righteousness, shoding your feet with the peace of the gospel, picking up the shield of faith, putting on the helmet of salvation, and taking hold of the sword of the Spirit. Ephesians 6:14-17.

Next, time must be spent in His word preparing your mind and heart for what is to come. Lastly, dedication to His presence is a must. By filling yourself up with his spirit, you are preparing for the challenge course of life.

Just like a competitor for American Ninja Warrior is called to train up his body, we as Christ followers are called to train and prepare for the heavenly kingdom.  Have you begun training as a warrior for God’s army? Are you prepared to fight for the kingdom?