WARRIOR by Linda Rodante, Reviewed by Trixi Oberembt

“We've all lived so long with Satan's attacks that we no longer see them as such. We possess weapons of divine power that can demolish strongholds, and yet we don't use them. Prayer, praise, God's word. The name of Jesus. Weapons.  He's calling us out of our comfort zones, out of our safe zones, and asking if we are willing to take up the fight for our families, our neighbors, and for Him.” ~ Josh

“Your prayers move mountains. Your prayers put the devil to flight. Don't go saying you “only pray”, Warrior. Your prayers are weapons. Use them.” ~Reece

This was a powerful book for me to read! The characters ministered to me and stirred my heart to a deeper relationship with Christ Jesus and to use the weapon of prayer more often. No longer will I doubt my prayers are effective or have no meaning after reading this! I may not be someone who physically invades the enemy’s territory like Josh and Reece did, but I can still invade his territory in prayer. I can go to my “prayer closet” and intercede for my loved ones, my church family, and those who aren't part of God's kingdom and fight for them. The author stirred those smoldering embers in my heart to be a warrior for Christ in my prayers. I love it!!

Talking about the characters, I loved each one. Josh is the new assistant Pastor and has a heart for God and the people he's been called to minister to. He challenges them in ways that make them examine their own lives and calling. He leads them by example on what it really means to serve Christ; it's not in sitting in the pew each Sunday, but compelling them to do their part in the kingdom of God. Whatever that may mean to each person, whether it's in prayer, or worshiping in praise, or physically going out to reach their neighbors and lost loved ones. Or any combination of things, he encourages them that God has already given them weapons of spiritual warfare to use.

“I'm calling out to dry bones today.  You've been sitting in these pews long enough. You know there's more. You've asked and prayed for more. God has heard your cry. I call out to the dry bones today. Come alive. God wants an army. Come alive!” ~Josh

Reece is his best friend and right-hand man. He has a rough past, one he's not proud of but he knows God has set him free of. Josh has been one to encourage him and help him grow in Christ. The book refers to them as a David and Johnathan relationship and I can see that clearly in them. He also has a real heart for people, especially those in gangs and shackled to things nobody should have to be. He has street smarts and helps balance Josh and visa versa. You really know he's grown quickly spiritually the more you learn about him in the story. Kati is a woman after my own heart! Seeing her growth and overcoming her past encouraged me. God made beauty from the ashes of her life just as He did mine. Our pasts don't define us, God's working in them and making us new is what does. Kati was reminded over and over again that she is a new creation and God views her as a warrior for Him; priceless and His child.

Spiritually moving and deeply compelling, Rodante challenges each one of us to a higher calling in Christ through the imperfect people portrayed in her character’s lives! Action packed pages will have your heart in your throat and a simmering of romance will stir your emotions.  My prayer is that you are challenged through this book like I was. God didn't leave us defenseless, He gave us powerful weapons to use against the enemy’s attacks!  Like Josh said, COME ALIVE, use those weapons and see if God doesn't move in your life and those around you!!

*I was provided with a complimentary copy from the author and was under no obligation to leave a review. All opinions are my own.*

Back Cover Blurb:
 
Christian Romantic Suspense: For three years, Kati Walsh has hunkered down at a new place of worship to dab at church-inflicted wounds. Her one outreach is to her kickboxing friends at the gym, but she’s been praying for God to stir her heart again. But she’s not sure that the new assistant pastor and his friend Reece Jernigan are what she asked for—because Assistant Pastor Josh Corbin plans to win the hearts of the north-side neighborhood, mostly described as “the hood.”

When Josh plans a prayer walk in the neighborhood, both the congregation and the police are wary, but Josh insists that prayer works. He believes in spiritual warfare—prayer, praise, and the Word of God. Reece, on the other hand, has been on the streets before, and his weapon of choice is a 9mm Glock. Two close friends with differing perspectives and both with an eye on Kati. But they’re not the only ones—the gang leader from the north side has taken an unexpected interest in Kati, too. 

Available in paperback and digital ebook:
 
Buy Warrior at Amazon

-->