It’s no secret that it takes courage to stand up for what you believe in.
Whether you are passionate about politics, environmental crises, medical research campaigns, gender and diversity wars in the workplace, serving and making a difference for the marginalized in our communities, activism for the unborn and those without a voice … it takes a daring fearlessness to take up that baton and run with it in the face of opposition.
I have told you these things so that you will be whole and at peace. In this world, you will be plagued with times of trouble, but you need not fear; I have triumphed over this corrupt world order. John 16:33 The Voice
It’s exponentially difficult for the Christ Follower. Our battle is in the unseen realm and often our war wounds are carried much deeper than surface level. Scars from rejection and judgement both in public and private, often ostracized from familiar faces and places (sometimes that includes family or places of worship that we once called home) are common among the wounded warriors who choose to carry the baton known as the cross.
Listen! I have made you pure.
But I have not done it in the way that people make silver pure.
Instead, I have sent pain and trouble to you.
That is how I make you pure. Isaiah 48:10 EasyEnglish Bible
Coming into a personal relationship with Jesus is not for the weak-at-heart. I think that mistakenly people have this view of the Christian (woman) as a doormat or passive good-doer (if that’s a word), and that we default to our faith as a means for escaping real life. The erroneous imagery of the quiet and meek (not to mention the soft voice ~ that would instantly eliminate me!) person who is spineless and easily knocked over is contrary to the warrior that takes each calculated step in front of the other while fighting resistance. This is real war, my Friend.
This kind of war is where the surrender comes first and determines the outcome of the fight.
GOD allows for some of our biggest battles so that we can become stronger. (I’m preaching to myself here.) He doesn’t do this to taunt us or let us look foolish in front of an onlooking world.
He proves to the world that His greatest warriors come through their battles (of life) refined to demonstrate He chose the best. Our most defining moments are when He is shown through our conflicts on the battlefield.
That’s where the purest form of who we are surface. And He declares, “That’s My Daughter! I knew she always had it in her.”
The decision to forge ahead is sometimes the most defiant and lonely one. But not walked out alone.
Be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid of them and don’t be frightened, because the Lord your God will go with you. He will not leave you or forget you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 NCV
The Lord is indeed going before you—he will be with you; he will not fail you or abandon you. Do not be afraid or discouraged!” Deuteronomy 31:8 NET
If GOD didn’t think we could be victorious, He wouldn’t allow us to be challenged. He’s given us His power to succeed. It’s in our favor if we take Him at His word and move forward.
It all starts with humble surrender to receive from Him.
Let’s do this!
“Refiner’s Fire”
Purify my heart, let me be as gold
And precious silver
Purify my heart, let me be as gold
Pure gold
Refiner’s fire, my heart’s one desire
Is to be holy
Set apart for you Lord
I choose to be holy
Set apart for You my Master
Ready to do Your will
Purify my heart, cleanse me from within
And make me holy
Purify my heart, cleanse me from my sin
Deep within
Ready to worship
Ready to follow
Ready to do Your will.
Songwriter: Brian Doerksen
I’ve provided the lyrics here for you to examine what you’ve signed up for. As you take up your cross, move with Holy Spirit confidence that you will succeed.
I love you to Heaven and Back, Girlfriend ~
LindaRJohnson, TitusTwo Visionary
*Thank you to Brian Doerksen | The Worship Project for this.
Titus Two 