I've been thinking about the song, "The Boys Are Back in Town," and it makes me chuckle. It may sound funny, but I finally feel like I'm "back in town!" God has worked a wonderful transformation in my heart over the last few weeks and I feel like my normal self again. I'm not the same as I used to be, but through the Lord's healing my gumption, tenacity, and desire to continue standing within his will is stronger than before. It's stronger than it's ever been. My grief has turned into acceptance and my anger has turned into understanding. The scar of loss is still very real, but I look forward with anticipation at how God will continue unfolding his plan. And I look forward to his timely filling of the newly constructed places of my heart. That being said, this Dragon Lady has a bold word from the Lord.
Take a deep breath, and prepare yourself.
Something from a sermon I heard a few weeks ago really stuck with me: "We're not on a cruise ship, we're on a battle ship." Think about the implications, friend. A battle ship is full of committed, well-trained, and willingly obedient soldiers. The requirement of sacrifice is understood, and it is accepted even to the point of giving up one's own life. Life on a battle ship requires everyone performing their duty at the right time, place, and in the manner they have been instructed. Everything depends on continued obedience from every soldier.
And this is where I feel the church is lacking.
It isn't that I'm "holier than thou," but it is the conclusion the Lord has shown me as I have mourned and cried out to him for deliverance from my pitiful human state. Many believers seem to shorthand God, as I have, and his ability to provide for what he calls us to do. Friend, I'm here to tell you that anything you are allowing to hinder God's will for your life is blinding you from true freedom. And it's blinding you from true peace. Fearing the loss of something - whether it be status, livelihood, or even another person - will control your life if you don't actively fight as the soldier you were created to be. Stand and fight! As your friend and sister in Christ, I beg you to stand and fight with me with eternal eyes instead of earthly logic. I dare you to move beyond what simply matters to you, and live your life according to what matters to God. The Spirit shouts from my heart, "Tell them enough is enough!!!" Amen, Lord, enough is enough.
Oh, the things God has prepared for those who love him!
This is your call to war, friend. The lost need you, and I need you. In my thirty years on earth God has already done immeasurably more than I could have ever imagined simply because I desired to show up and fight. It's gut-wrenching, and cold, and painful, but you're not alone. We're not alone. Show up and watch what the Lord does as he reveals why you were made. Have some gumption and put forth some deliberate effort. Embrace that deep desire God has placed in your heart, the unique and extravagant calling you have fought against for months or even years. It will take time, and it certainly won't be easy, but I stand on the other side of struggle and tell you there is victory. And, better yet, Christ stands on the other side of death and tells you not to fear failure because he's on the throne.
And I will pray for you, fellow soldier. Let me know your need and I will lift it up with boldness to the Father as you have done for me in my time of need.
