Joel's Army: God's Unexpected Warriors
by Dr. Phil Spears
When most people think of an army of God, they imagine polished saints—well-dressed, well-mannered, Sunday-school-trained believers who’ve got it all together. But the truth is, Joel’s Army won’t look like what you expect. And that’s exactly the point.
God has never been in the business of choosing the obvious. He doesn’t select His warriors based on outward appearance, religious polish, or social status. He’s not impressed with perfect church attendance or designer Christianity. God looks deeper—He looks at the heart.
A Generation Rising—Rough But Ready
Joel’s Army is a prophetic picture, not of an elite class, but of a generation that is raw, real, and radically surrendered. They are rough around the edges. They may have tattoos, piercings, and pasts that would make church folks uncomfortable. Their language might be a little unrefined. Their worship might not follow the bulletin. But their hearts burn with a fire that religion can’t manufacture.
These are people who’ve walked through addiction, abandonment, prison, pain, poverty, rejection—and survived. They carry scars, not shame. And God is calling them not in spite of their past, but because of it.
Like David, who was overlooked even by his own father. Like Gideon, who was hiding when God called him a mighty warrior. Like Peter, who was hot-tempered and uneducated. These are the kind of people God always uses to turn the world upside down.
Different Style, Same Spirit
Make no mistake—Joel’s Army will not fit into your neatly packaged religious mold. Their worship is wild. Their style is street. Their vibe is gritty. But their spirit is pure, and their devotion is deep.
They are prophetic voices crying in the wilderness of this generation. They are street preachers, artists, ex-gang members, deliverance ministers, musicians, single moms, reformed atheists, and former addicts. And they are full of the Holy Spirit and power.
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They don’t seek permission from culture. They seek presence. They don’t conform to church trends. They carry the Kingdom.
God’s Approval Matters More Than Yours
This is a word for the religious gatekeepers: you don’t get to decide who God uses. He never asked for your permission.
“Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
— 1 Samuel 16:7
God approves of this army—not because they’re perfect, but because they’re willing. They’ve been through the fire. They’ve wrestled in the dark. And now, they’re emerging—not polished, but powerful. Not refined, but ready. They are warriors.
Prepare for the Unexpected
If you're looking for revival to come dressed in a suit and tie, you might miss it. It might show up in combat boots, with a backstory and a broken heart. And yet, these are the ones carrying the anointing. These are the ones who will cast out demons, heal the sick, break generational curses, and storm the gates of hell.
Joel’s Army is not coming. It’s already here. Rising from the rubble. Marching through the margins. Carrying the call of God with unapologetic boldness.
So don’t be surprised when God uses someone you would’ve dismissed. He’s been doing it since the beginning.
Final Word
If you feel too broken, too different, or too “messed up” to be used by God—you’re exactly who He’s looking for. He’s not waiting for perfection. He’s calling for surrender.
Joel’s Army doesn’t wear medals. They wear scars. But every scar tells a story—and every story shouts redemption.
This is God’s army. And you just might be part of it.
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