Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Stay in the Battle! A Note of Encouragement

 
 
The Lord is a warrior... Exodus 15:3

And My holy name I will make known in the midst of My people Israel... Ezekiel 39:7






Why does it feel like every day is such a battle? Well, because it is. We get hurt, lose things, people disappoint us, things change unexpectedly...and we nurse our injuries, our egos bruised, plans blown to bits - we fight through tears in valleys of hunger and thirst of ...spirit...we navigate minefields through the unknown, valleys and darkness, we feel the spiritual tension and sense the nearness of the enemy encampments all around. And it's so easy in these raw, vulnerable moments...so easy to forget that our major battle is not to overcome our circumstances... it's not about gaining the high ground, finding the resolution, receiving the cure or even relief, not really.
 


"Therefore," our predecessor Paul notes, "we are ambassadors for Christ - as though God were making an appeal through us" (2 Corinthians 5:20).


What is He calling you to show to the world about Himself through your unique situation? And what is He trying to reveal to you about Himself in it? His sufficiency? His forgiveness? His peace? His holiness? His faithfulness? What a novel, beautiful concept that sometimes, our circumstances are not about failure or success, but rather an opportunity for God to define Himself through them - and us.


Let us embrace, and not resist, our circumstances, even with gratitude and trust, lest we forfeit our great calling. In the midst of my own heartwrenching struggles, and even in the superfluous ones, through the noise and the tears, I see My God ever fighting alongside me, heming me in before and behind, and I hear Him saying to us, "Do not be discouraged, precious ones. Stay in the fight, do not give up!" And I do not intend to.


Blessings!


 
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