
A few years ago, I was tasked with writing for and speaking at a women’s conference. My mission? Wonder Woman… I was given these two words. How can I write about Wonder Woman and relate this to the Bible? How can I speak to hundreds of women of all ages and walks of life and resonate with them? I was in prayer and had too many drafts with scribbles and notes all over. Thinking about this the other day, made me want to rewrite the narrative. A story of courage and faith. A story of mountains bigger than we feel like we can climb sometimes. A story of us normal women being the superheroes every single day.
When most people hear the name Diana, they often think of Princess Diana. They rarely think of Diana Prince, a superheroine that embodies, feminine empowerment, justice, and strength. She quickly became a success in the DC universe ranking as one of their most recognizable characters and a feminist icon. William Moulton Martson, one of the creators of Wonder Woman, believed woman would rise up to lead the world into a new peaceful age.
Wonder Woman is a master of her weapons and abilities. I believe her mastery is a testament to her training. Being trained in the Amazon and her unique heritage has given her a proficiency, authority, and strength which can go head-to-head against the most wicked and evil of sources. Your unique heritage can do the same! I cannot do what you can do or someone else can do, and I am not made to do so. I cannot speak to a recovering addict like someone who has walked their shoes can. But God. God can use you right where you are for his ultimate plan. Her training is like us reading the Bible and sharpening our skills. You cannot fight for victory if you do not train to win.
Ephesians 6:10-17
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
The Belt of Truth
One of Wonder Woman’s most iconic weapons is her lasso of truth. Her lasso compels those entrapped not only to tell the truth but to obey. This weapon embodies empathy and understanding over brute force. As Christians the first piece armor we should apply every day is the belt of truth. This armor is used to protect us from the lies and deception of this world. It goes around our waist as if surrounding and protecting us on all sides from the enemies lies and trickery. A Roman soldier’s belt was not just decorative but functional too. This belt marked status or identity on and off duty, it held weapons such as a sword or dagger and helped bear the weight of his armor.
John 14:6
6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Isaiah 59:12-17
12 For our offenses are many in your sight, and our sins testify against us. Our offenses are ever with us, and we acknowledge our iniquities: 13 rebellion and treachery against the Lord, turning our backs on our God, inciting revolt and oppression, uttering lies our hearts have conceived. 14 So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets, honesty cannot enter. 15 Truth is nowhere to be found, and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey. The Lord looked and was displeased that there was no justice.16 He saw that there was no one, he was appalled that there was no one to intervene; so his own arm achieved salvation for him, and his own righteousness sustained him. 17 He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.
In Isaiah, we see that without truth, sin reigns, there’s no salvation, and no justice or righteousness. I find the correlation between sin, truth and the armor interesting here. It says in John that it is only through Him that we can come to the Father. Only through Him can we be saved from our sins and have an eternity with God. Truth sets us apart from the world much like the soldier’s belt. Truth is foundational in our walk with Christ as we are set apart and identified as His children.
Breastplate of Righteousness
The breastplate of righteousness is referring to the righteousness Jesus bought on the cross for us. At salvation you are issued a breastplate to protect your most vital organs, namely your heart. His righteousness has been imputed to us, because of the work he did on the cross, however the breastplate Paul is referring to is a pursuit of righteousness. He commands us to “put on” our breastplate as it is our responsibility to live a life in constant pursuit fueled by faith.
In simple terms, righteousness is being “right” with God. We can never in our own right be righteous. Isaiah 64 tells us our righteous acts are like filthy rags. In Ephesians chapter 2 we read that we are God’s handiwork, to do what he has already prepared in advance, it is not by our own works but a gift from God. In Proverbs 21, it tells us that those who pursue righteousness and love will find life, prosperity, and honor.
Righteousness is not a suggestion, something we might want to consider, or even something we could live without and still sit at the Fathers feet. The Bible tells us clearly that we need to live with intent actively pursuing Him.
Isaiah 64:6
Ephesians 2:6-9
Proverbs 21:21
Shoes of Peace
Wonder Woman wore these boots that provided her with comfort, agility, protection, and peace. Peace that she could defend herself and those she loved. Peace that her training would get her to the finish line. We use shoes every day and I would be pretty sad and lost without mine. My driveway is rocks and I live where the goat heads exist. They are everywhere. And they always seem to find me when I don’t have my shoes on. I am not prepared for them. I don’t move with agility, and I am definitely not at peace.
Philippians 4:7
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”
John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid”
Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”
2 Thessalonians 3:16
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all”
Colossians 3:15
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful”
Our shoes have to be fitted on our feet everyday as we stand ready for action and prepare to share the message of Jesus. The Message of hope, love and Peace. We are not prepared to go out into the world if we are sitting comfortably. A call-to-action means taking the first step and stepping out in faith.
Shield of Faith
James 1:2-3
“Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance,” illustrating that faith is strengthened through challenges”
In our times of trials and challenges, we are supposed to take up our shield of faith. This shield provides us with protection against doubt, temptations, and extinguishes the flaming arrows our enemy tries to throw. Faith is an active trust in God, rooted in his promises.
Nurture your faith through Scripture, allowing it to grow deeper even in the midst of trials. Express your faith through prayer, trusting that it will produce hope, joy, and perseverance in every season. Meditating on God’s word will allow believers to deepen their trust and live confidently.
Take up your shield and prepare. For the battle is not ours alone.
Helmet of Salvation
1 Peter 1:8-9
“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”
Titus 2:11-12
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”
Acts 4:12
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
Salvation is our end result we receive through our faith. The helmet of salvation protects our minds and reminds us of our identity in Christ.
We are: Redeemed, Chosen, Loved, Wonderful, Beautiful, Child, Forgiven, Reflection, Blessed, Noticed, Appreciated, Saved, Reconciled, Heard, Gifted, New, Adopted, Rewarded, Victorious.
We have Identity in Christ.
Through Him, we are Saved, transformed, and named.
Sword of the Spirit
Unlike the other pieces of armor which are used to protect ourselves in the defensive position. The sword is used to protect ourselves in both the offensive and defensive positions. Proper training and use is sharper than any double edged sword.
Hebrews 4:12
“For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
When we meditate and study the word of God {our sword}, we learn to be quick natured, agile, and ready. In Ephesians 6:17 it is speaking on the actively applied word of God. Like I tell my Children, “It is one thing to read the words or hear what I am saying, But it is another thing to act upon it and understand what is being said.”
God does not want us to sit Idle, He calls us to active pursuit. Practical applications for everyday active pursuit include:
- Regular prayer and worship
- Reading the bible
- Obedience
- Service to others
- Persistent prayer for Gods will
These practical applications allow you the spend time in His presence, opening your heart and mind to hear his voice, and are essential for spiritual growth and maturity. This isn’t about personal gain but a true relationship with our Saviour.
When we as women step into our God-given identity and stand firm in the truth that comes from our Heavenly Father instead of heeding to man-made labels given to us on Earth, we can change the world. I am guilty of letting other people dictate who I am. Listening to opinions like they define me instead of listening to my Father in Heaven who already gave me identity before I was formed.
I am challenging us to be the woman no longer bound to limitations, labels and expectations of others. I am challenging us to be the woman of wonder, God already identified and called to action. God has called us to be a warrior princess in his kingdom. God has called us Chosen. We are Wonder Woman.
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