"Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give to you. Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very large city; it took three days to go through it." Jonah 3:2-3
I have probably said it more than 1000 times in the last year, both out loud and silently. It comes out in many different ways, but the meaning behind it is always the same; This Is Too Big.
It is one thing to hear the voice of God, it is quite another to obey it. Jonah heard God's voice and he completely disobeyed and went the other way. This got him in a huge bit of trouble with the people doing life with him, and ultimately, he ended up in the belly of a whale crying out to God to deliver him. What did God do? He heard Jonah's cry, rescued him from the belly of the whale and sent him back on that same assignment to Nineveh. Nineveh, a city so big it took three days to go through. Ever been in an assignment from God that felt like it was too big?
When I look around at where God has placed me, I often feel like it's too big. I have a go to statement for days when I feel particularly too small for the assignment, "This is a big girl's job...I'm not a big girl." It is always on those days when I have to step out of my comfort zone and do something required of the task, something that is going to make me stretch a little farther than I feel is comfortable. I spend way too long in my little pity-party, saying things like, "God, this is not what I thought it was going to look like" or "God, can you just help me out here and make this path straight so I don't have to do so much moving?" and even, "God, this is not fair, this is not what I signed up for"....Yep, I say that sometimes.
Over the last several weeks, God has been revealing His reply to those statements. Very clearly, in many different venues, God has spoken "You were born for this" to my spirit. And with those words, I have been reminded that I did not "sign up" for anything, I was CREATED by DESIGN to do exactly what it is He has me doing in this moment. It may not be comfortable, but it probably is not comfortable for the first sprout of a seed to pop it's head out of the soil. It may make me hurt just a little bit, but it does hurt when we're stretching to the place we are growing into. It may make me cry out for help, but that is exactly what He is there for, to direct my sight back to His purpose for all of it. Right in the middle of me expressing "THIS IS TOO BIG!!!" He answers, "YOU'RE RIGHT!!! IT'S TOO BIG FOR YOU, THAT IS WHY YOU MUST DEPEND ON ME!"
I have not yet arrived at the place where I can say, "I've got this", and I am beginning to think that is exactly where God wants me. Too many times I have grown so comfortable that I have gone on auto-pilot, allowing myself to navigate; I am convinced God does not ever want me to get to that place again in the calling He has on my life.
What are you facing that shouts "THIS IS TOO BIG"? Perhaps it's time to hand the wheel back over to the one who created you...for such a time as this......
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Goodbye~
"Do not call to mind the former things, Or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new. Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:18-19
The year 2013 has found its way to the top of the list of years I am happy to say goodbye to. There are so many reasons, none that are worthy of putting into written words, but never the less, reasons that justify its placement there. It has been a difficult year for us, and yet, I am completely reminded also of the beauty it has brought to my life. Whatever I write will not be expression enough of the gratitude I have to God for smiling on me and my family this year, it is a simple attempt to share the faithfulness of He who began a good work....
I have watched my children grow through adversity. So many times, through so many things, I have wondered how they would cope, how they would rise above the seemingly unfair situations that they were forced to be in the middle of. And time after time, I have observed them turning to their faith in Jesus. Michaela quietly writes a memory verse on the board in her room....Josiah verbally seeks answers to "why" God allows things. They truly do inspire me to do this right, to exemplify, even in the weak moments, that God is always actively at work around us and through us. My kids, they have truly been the Joy of my heart, in 2013.
I have been blessed with a job that has challenged me and chiseled me. The strategic moves of God I may never understand, but I take comfort in believing it is all for His glory. Being involved in ministry has not looked the way I thought it would look. In fact, it is absolutely the opposite. In that, I have learned so much about myself, the people I work with, the lives we are chosen to touch, and the God who's sovereignty reigns in it all. Working in a 'Life Center' has brought me to my knees; It has also often made me want to put on my running shoes and flee. My job, it has been one of the scariest and best things that has happened to me, in 2013.
I have been given the gift of True Friendship. A quote by Paul Tripp sticks in my mind as I try to define what this has looked like... "True Friendship calls you out of the darkness of personal privacy into the loving candor of mutual concern. It moves you from being a sealed envelope to being an open letter." I have been the recipient of exactly this from the girls who walk beside me. Never once have I felt like whatever was going on in my head would not be heard by them, and not just heard, but felt. In God's very awesome way, He has given to me friendships that are so different, and yet, so exactly the same; bringing perspective filled with love in the midst of chaos. My Best Friends, they have been one of the most valuable gifts I could ever receive, in 2013.
I have been touched by the love of my family. Though far away and defined differently than it had been in years past, I have felt the support and care from all those who love us and call us "theirs". They may not clearly understand why we have such crazy faith in God, they may not always agree with how we may be doing certain things, but that has not stopped them from being there for us, helping us, praying for us, and loving us. My Ohio family, they have demonstrated their love, in 2013.
And so, with so much Thankfulness and Praise to God for His provision, graciousness, and love, I say goodbye to 2013. Goodbye to the struggle, goodbye to the scary, goodbye to the uncertainty. And I say Hello to 2014. Hello to the struggle, hello to the scary, hello to the uncertainty....because in it, lies the Greatest Gifts God could ever give...Roadways in the wilderness and Springs in the desert....
The year 2013 has found its way to the top of the list of years I am happy to say goodbye to. There are so many reasons, none that are worthy of putting into written words, but never the less, reasons that justify its placement there. It has been a difficult year for us, and yet, I am completely reminded also of the beauty it has brought to my life. Whatever I write will not be expression enough of the gratitude I have to God for smiling on me and my family this year, it is a simple attempt to share the faithfulness of He who began a good work....
I have watched my children grow through adversity. So many times, through so many things, I have wondered how they would cope, how they would rise above the seemingly unfair situations that they were forced to be in the middle of. And time after time, I have observed them turning to their faith in Jesus. Michaela quietly writes a memory verse on the board in her room....Josiah verbally seeks answers to "why" God allows things. They truly do inspire me to do this right, to exemplify, even in the weak moments, that God is always actively at work around us and through us. My kids, they have truly been the Joy of my heart, in 2013.
I have been blessed with a job that has challenged me and chiseled me. The strategic moves of God I may never understand, but I take comfort in believing it is all for His glory. Being involved in ministry has not looked the way I thought it would look. In fact, it is absolutely the opposite. In that, I have learned so much about myself, the people I work with, the lives we are chosen to touch, and the God who's sovereignty reigns in it all. Working in a 'Life Center' has brought me to my knees; It has also often made me want to put on my running shoes and flee. My job, it has been one of the scariest and best things that has happened to me, in 2013.
I have been given the gift of True Friendship. A quote by Paul Tripp sticks in my mind as I try to define what this has looked like... "True Friendship calls you out of the darkness of personal privacy into the loving candor of mutual concern. It moves you from being a sealed envelope to being an open letter." I have been the recipient of exactly this from the girls who walk beside me. Never once have I felt like whatever was going on in my head would not be heard by them, and not just heard, but felt. In God's very awesome way, He has given to me friendships that are so different, and yet, so exactly the same; bringing perspective filled with love in the midst of chaos. My Best Friends, they have been one of the most valuable gifts I could ever receive, in 2013.
I have been touched by the love of my family. Though far away and defined differently than it had been in years past, I have felt the support and care from all those who love us and call us "theirs". They may not clearly understand why we have such crazy faith in God, they may not always agree with how we may be doing certain things, but that has not stopped them from being there for us, helping us, praying for us, and loving us. My Ohio family, they have demonstrated their love, in 2013.
And so, with so much Thankfulness and Praise to God for His provision, graciousness, and love, I say goodbye to 2013. Goodbye to the struggle, goodbye to the scary, goodbye to the uncertainty. And I say Hello to 2014. Hello to the struggle, hello to the scary, hello to the uncertainty....because in it, lies the Greatest Gifts God could ever give...Roadways in the wilderness and Springs in the desert....
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Here I am. Send Me.
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here I am. Send me." Isaiah 6:8
I grew up in a little country Baptist church. From the time I was a very little girl, I sang, and in the 4th grade, I had my first solo. I still remember that song, every single word;
" Here am I Lord, send me. Here am I Lord, send me.
I will serve you faithfully, Here am I Lord, send me.
Lord I give my life to you, take control each day,
I will follow anywhere, near or far away.
Here am I Lord, send me. Here am I Lord, send me.
I will serve you faithfully, Here am I Lord, send me.
Lord I want your perfect will, be my faithful guide,
I will never be afraid, you are close beside.
Here am I Lord, send me. Here am I Lord, send me.
I will serve you faithfully, Here am I Lord, send me.
Let me see my mission field, all around each day.
Fill my heart with Jesus' love. Use me Lord, I pray.
Here am I Lord, send me. Here am I Lord, send me.
I will serve you faithfully, Here am I Lord, send me.
Here am I Lord, send me. Here am I Lord, send me.
I will serve you faithfully, Here am I Lord, send me."
There is always a song in my head..but the song began in my heart. God used music to imprint His will on my life; the words above are the first to ever touch so deep that they became a part of me. And tonight, I am not just reminded of this song, but of the faithfulness of God.
I did not fully understand at 10 years old how God would craft the calling He had destined for me...but today, I see it full well. I am ever willing to do my part to bring Him glory by walking in that plan He had for me...long before I ever noticed His light in the very dark places. In the words of my dear friend, "If I went through it all just to help one, it was worth it."
I will follow anywhere, near or far away.
I will never be afraid, you are close beside.
Fill my heart with Jesus' love. Use me Lord, I pray.
Here am I Lord, send me.
I grew up in a little country Baptist church. From the time I was a very little girl, I sang, and in the 4th grade, I had my first solo. I still remember that song, every single word;
" Here am I Lord, send me. Here am I Lord, send me.
I will serve you faithfully, Here am I Lord, send me.
Lord I give my life to you, take control each day,
I will follow anywhere, near or far away.
Here am I Lord, send me. Here am I Lord, send me.
I will serve you faithfully, Here am I Lord, send me.
Lord I want your perfect will, be my faithful guide,
I will never be afraid, you are close beside.
Here am I Lord, send me. Here am I Lord, send me.
I will serve you faithfully, Here am I Lord, send me.
Let me see my mission field, all around each day.
Fill my heart with Jesus' love. Use me Lord, I pray.
Here am I Lord, send me. Here am I Lord, send me.
I will serve you faithfully, Here am I Lord, send me.
Here am I Lord, send me. Here am I Lord, send me.
I will serve you faithfully, Here am I Lord, send me."
There is always a song in my head..but the song began in my heart. God used music to imprint His will on my life; the words above are the first to ever touch so deep that they became a part of me. And tonight, I am not just reminded of this song, but of the faithfulness of God.
I did not fully understand at 10 years old how God would craft the calling He had destined for me...but today, I see it full well. I am ever willing to do my part to bring Him glory by walking in that plan He had for me...long before I ever noticed His light in the very dark places. In the words of my dear friend, "If I went through it all just to help one, it was worth it."
I will follow anywhere, near or far away.
I will never be afraid, you are close beside.
Fill my heart with Jesus' love. Use me Lord, I pray.
Here am I Lord, send me.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
The Sound
"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7
It was too dark to see it, but I could hear it. Its rhythm was calming, its presence called for quiet. As I closed my eyes, I knew God was saying it once again, and this time, I was listening. I awoke many times, but never without gently being lulled backed to sleep by the sound. The waves crashed and receded, and as they did, I heard Him speak...peace.
I wrestled with the sound of peace because peace has no sound. Within the chaos of life, there seemed no place for silence, no room for nothing. Circumstances built chaos, and chaos produced confusion. In the midst of confusion, finding my footing seemed the best way to overcome, and victory always seemed to come quicker with a loud battle cry. The warrior I had become was not of kindness and gentleness, but of quick tongue and brassy edges. And yet....He was calling me to peace....
In John 14, Jesus is comforting his disciples after telling them of his immanent death; in verse 27 he says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, do not be afraid." This is the kind of peace that God wants us to have. In the face of uncertain circumstances, He offers to us something the world cannot give. The world can give us chaos, confusion and instability, but it cannot give to us the peace that transcends our own understanding...but Jesus can.
The sound of the Ocean became something more to me... it has been written on my heart in a new way, straight from Heaven. It's view is magical, it's world a mystery, and it's sound...it's sound is peace. When I wrestle with falling back to brassy, may I remember the music of the waves dancing to a rhythm written by God...calling me back to being still....calling me back to peace.
It was too dark to see it, but I could hear it. Its rhythm was calming, its presence called for quiet. As I closed my eyes, I knew God was saying it once again, and this time, I was listening. I awoke many times, but never without gently being lulled backed to sleep by the sound. The waves crashed and receded, and as they did, I heard Him speak...peace.
I wrestled with the sound of peace because peace has no sound. Within the chaos of life, there seemed no place for silence, no room for nothing. Circumstances built chaos, and chaos produced confusion. In the midst of confusion, finding my footing seemed the best way to overcome, and victory always seemed to come quicker with a loud battle cry. The warrior I had become was not of kindness and gentleness, but of quick tongue and brassy edges. And yet....He was calling me to peace....
In John 14, Jesus is comforting his disciples after telling them of his immanent death; in verse 27 he says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, do not be afraid." This is the kind of peace that God wants us to have. In the face of uncertain circumstances, He offers to us something the world cannot give. The world can give us chaos, confusion and instability, but it cannot give to us the peace that transcends our own understanding...but Jesus can.
The sound of the Ocean became something more to me... it has been written on my heart in a new way, straight from Heaven. It's view is magical, it's world a mystery, and it's sound...it's sound is peace. When I wrestle with falling back to brassy, may I remember the music of the waves dancing to a rhythm written by God...calling me back to being still....calling me back to peace.
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Valley of Purpose
"The hand of the Lord was upon me, and He brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and sat me down in the middle of the valley; and it was full of bones. He caused me to pass among them round about, and behold, there were very many on the surface of the valley; and lo, they were very dry." Ezekiel 37:1-2
So here you stand, in the middle of the valley looking around at a place that is dead and hopeless. The smell startles you, a familiar stench, and yet foreign. Your memory jogs and suddenly you realize you have been here before. It has been a long time, so many things have changed, and yet, the valley is so very much the same.
Your head is hanging low as you try to recall how you got here. One wrong turn there, not listening close enough here; on and on you go for what seems like several minutes as you trace the steps to this very point. Every mistake you have made is blazing in your ears, you cannot see past the regret of doing it wrong; and yet, in the midst of the chaos going on in your mind, you hear His voice. It is a calm voice, calling you gently back, speaking words of Life and Truth, reminding you that you are His and He is here; even in the valley.
Today I read Ezekiel 37 verse one and had a sudden jolt in my spirit. In Ezekiel's vision, he clearly says The hand of the Lord was on him, and HE (the Spirit of the Lord) brought him down into the valley. What? God brought him down into this valley? WOAH!!! You mean, it wasn't because of the wrong turns, the misplaced steps, the huge mistakes he made? It was GOD?? And wait a minute...God brought Ezekiel down to the valley to use him? To empower him to speak life and breath into dry bones? The chapter goes onto explain the vision in greater detail, that God was preparing Ezekiel to go speak that same LIFE into the people of Israel.
God has us right where we are for a purpose. It may seem like a valley to us, it may have all the familiar sights and smells of a place of darkness, but today let me challenge you as I have been challenged; to change the lens that we look through. Instead of being blinded by the darkness, choose to see that glimmer of light. Instead of being sucked into the despair, reach for the joy. Instead of giving in to the death, stand up and fight for Life. Allow your perspective to be filtered through the eyes of Jesus. Allow his grace to sustain you as you walk, and his mercy to catch you when you fall. His plan for your life, for the lives of the ones you love, is nothing short of amazing. Be the agent of hope, and speak LIFE INTO DRY BONES!
So here you stand, in the middle of the valley looking around at a place that is dead and hopeless. The smell startles you, a familiar stench, and yet foreign. Your memory jogs and suddenly you realize you have been here before. It has been a long time, so many things have changed, and yet, the valley is so very much the same.
Your head is hanging low as you try to recall how you got here. One wrong turn there, not listening close enough here; on and on you go for what seems like several minutes as you trace the steps to this very point. Every mistake you have made is blazing in your ears, you cannot see past the regret of doing it wrong; and yet, in the midst of the chaos going on in your mind, you hear His voice. It is a calm voice, calling you gently back, speaking words of Life and Truth, reminding you that you are His and He is here; even in the valley.
Today I read Ezekiel 37 verse one and had a sudden jolt in my spirit. In Ezekiel's vision, he clearly says The hand of the Lord was on him, and HE (the Spirit of the Lord) brought him down into the valley. What? God brought him down into this valley? WOAH!!! You mean, it wasn't because of the wrong turns, the misplaced steps, the huge mistakes he made? It was GOD?? And wait a minute...God brought Ezekiel down to the valley to use him? To empower him to speak life and breath into dry bones? The chapter goes onto explain the vision in greater detail, that God was preparing Ezekiel to go speak that same LIFE into the people of Israel.
God has us right where we are for a purpose. It may seem like a valley to us, it may have all the familiar sights and smells of a place of darkness, but today let me challenge you as I have been challenged; to change the lens that we look through. Instead of being blinded by the darkness, choose to see that glimmer of light. Instead of being sucked into the despair, reach for the joy. Instead of giving in to the death, stand up and fight for Life. Allow your perspective to be filtered through the eyes of Jesus. Allow his grace to sustain you as you walk, and his mercy to catch you when you fall. His plan for your life, for the lives of the ones you love, is nothing short of amazing. Be the agent of hope, and speak LIFE INTO DRY BONES!
Monday, August 12, 2013
Perfectly Placed
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts" Isaiah 55:8-9
Like almost every morning, I scanned through my e-mails. Because I had none showing up in my "VIP" list, (my way of filtering my favorites), I knew nothing was of immediate importance or worth. As I scrolled through, I stopped on a devotional. If the opening scripture does not speak to me quickly in a moment like this, before my morning coffee has taken on it's full effect, I click delete before I even think about it. This morning, I continued reading....
Even now, two hours later I can not remember what the content of that email was, but I do know that with that opening verse, God spoke swiftly to a part of me that was searching for stillness amongst the clatter of the things going through my mind. Finding sleep last night was difficult as I played out every scenario and situation I am currently involved with. With quite a bit of anxiety, I tossed and turned; with every turn a different topic came to my mind and I was sucked back into trying to "figure it all out." I did not find a peaceful state to sleep last night, and my dreams continued the craziness in my head. It was with that opening scripture that God jolted my attention; I was trying to figure it all out instead of trusting Him.
I am guilty of feeling it is my responsibility to make things run smooth in all aspects of life. It is part of the "people pleaser" in me that is still in recovery. I get so caught up in things that I feel are injustices, that I take on this persona of a warrior going after the kill, and if I am not careful and very purposeful in my approach, I begin to take over where only God is suppose to be in control. I heard God say to me in the midst of my morning fog, "I am not your team mate, I am your leader, Bonnie. Give me back the control and rest. I have you placed where I want you, allow me to guide you."
Today, rest in the sovereignty of the Almighty, that He has you PERFECTLY PLACED right where He wants you. Give Him back the control and allow Him to guide you in the purpose that He is working through you. Jim Elliot, the missionary martyr once said, "Where ever you are, be all there", don't just be there, be ALL there. Be ALL that mom that God wants you to be. Be ALL that wife that God wants you to be. Be ALL that leader God wants you to be; and be ALL that friend that God wants you to be. Remember, His thoughts are not ours, His ways are HIGHER~ If God has you in this moment, in that relationship, in that circumstance, it is for a reason. Trust Him, and give Him back His proper place...the lead....
Like almost every morning, I scanned through my e-mails. Because I had none showing up in my "VIP" list, (my way of filtering my favorites), I knew nothing was of immediate importance or worth. As I scrolled through, I stopped on a devotional. If the opening scripture does not speak to me quickly in a moment like this, before my morning coffee has taken on it's full effect, I click delete before I even think about it. This morning, I continued reading....
Even now, two hours later I can not remember what the content of that email was, but I do know that with that opening verse, God spoke swiftly to a part of me that was searching for stillness amongst the clatter of the things going through my mind. Finding sleep last night was difficult as I played out every scenario and situation I am currently involved with. With quite a bit of anxiety, I tossed and turned; with every turn a different topic came to my mind and I was sucked back into trying to "figure it all out." I did not find a peaceful state to sleep last night, and my dreams continued the craziness in my head. It was with that opening scripture that God jolted my attention; I was trying to figure it all out instead of trusting Him.
I am guilty of feeling it is my responsibility to make things run smooth in all aspects of life. It is part of the "people pleaser" in me that is still in recovery. I get so caught up in things that I feel are injustices, that I take on this persona of a warrior going after the kill, and if I am not careful and very purposeful in my approach, I begin to take over where only God is suppose to be in control. I heard God say to me in the midst of my morning fog, "I am not your team mate, I am your leader, Bonnie. Give me back the control and rest. I have you placed where I want you, allow me to guide you."
Today, rest in the sovereignty of the Almighty, that He has you PERFECTLY PLACED right where He wants you. Give Him back the control and allow Him to guide you in the purpose that He is working through you. Jim Elliot, the missionary martyr once said, "Where ever you are, be all there", don't just be there, be ALL there. Be ALL that mom that God wants you to be. Be ALL that wife that God wants you to be. Be ALL that leader God wants you to be; and be ALL that friend that God wants you to be. Remember, His thoughts are not ours, His ways are HIGHER~ If God has you in this moment, in that relationship, in that circumstance, it is for a reason. Trust Him, and give Him back His proper place...the lead....
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Let's Walk
Proverbs 13:20 "He who walks with the wise grows wise..."
Recently, my friend and I decided that as often as needed, we would remind each other that the most important things to get caught up in are those things that have an eternal value. The words, "And remember, don't get caught up in that, it's not of eternal value" have become a normal part of our conversation...Why? Because almost daily, at least one of us needs a trusted verbal reminder that what we "feel" is not always the best way to determine what we set our passions to.
I have witnessed over the last couple of weeks, an intensity in situations around me. Some of those situations are of eternal value and deserve the fight, but some are merely a ploy by the enemy to distract me from the things that are most important. Satan is sneaky and deceptive, but he is not smart; I do not do life alone, and if I am weak in my defenses on a given day, you can be sure my friends are on guard. Sometimes, it might just be a single sentence from my mouth that hints to the battle I am having, and because I am walking with women who seek after God, He works in and through them to stand along side of me. Some days, it's a silent listening ear, and some days, it's a text in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS, because quite frankly, I need someone I trust to raise their voice at me to get my mind back on the things of significance and not stupidity; and sometimes, I need someone to tell me to STAND and FIGHT for injustice and FLEX MY MUSCLES!!
I am reminded of the friendship of Jonathan and David. Jonathan loved David so much, that when he saw the enemy ready to take David out, he protected him and told David of the plot his father had to kill him. Isn't this the way we should be with our friends? So aware of what is going on in their lives, that we too recognize the enemy and quickly bring warning of an incoming attack? And then I think of Ruth and Naomi. Ruth would not listen to the pleas of Naomi to leave her in her distress, instead, she committed to stand with her through the pain. Isn't this the way we should be with our friends? Heart connected in such a way that we stand with them in their tough stuff, ready to be immovable when their world seems to be spinning?
Living life in community with like-minded, God seeking, Jesus passionate girlfriends is one of the greatest blessings God has given to me. As a mentor and leader of women, it makes me smile when I see other ladies around me experiencing the same thing; true friendship. God's design for women is to have relationship with one another in healthy ways, ways that glorify Him, and bring us closer to Him. I can not imagine my life without the ladies who walk on each side of me. God's agenda far outweighs our own insecurities, and trusting that He has the best in mind for me gives me freedom, because I know it is He who has chosen for me, the "Best of the Best."
True Friendship~
It speaks Truth and Life~It Protects and Defends~It Sits and Listens~It Stands and Fights.
Recently, my friend and I decided that as often as needed, we would remind each other that the most important things to get caught up in are those things that have an eternal value. The words, "And remember, don't get caught up in that, it's not of eternal value" have become a normal part of our conversation...Why? Because almost daily, at least one of us needs a trusted verbal reminder that what we "feel" is not always the best way to determine what we set our passions to.
I have witnessed over the last couple of weeks, an intensity in situations around me. Some of those situations are of eternal value and deserve the fight, but some are merely a ploy by the enemy to distract me from the things that are most important. Satan is sneaky and deceptive, but he is not smart; I do not do life alone, and if I am weak in my defenses on a given day, you can be sure my friends are on guard. Sometimes, it might just be a single sentence from my mouth that hints to the battle I am having, and because I am walking with women who seek after God, He works in and through them to stand along side of me. Some days, it's a silent listening ear, and some days, it's a text in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS, because quite frankly, I need someone I trust to raise their voice at me to get my mind back on the things of significance and not stupidity; and sometimes, I need someone to tell me to STAND and FIGHT for injustice and FLEX MY MUSCLES!!
I am reminded of the friendship of Jonathan and David. Jonathan loved David so much, that when he saw the enemy ready to take David out, he protected him and told David of the plot his father had to kill him. Isn't this the way we should be with our friends? So aware of what is going on in their lives, that we too recognize the enemy and quickly bring warning of an incoming attack? And then I think of Ruth and Naomi. Ruth would not listen to the pleas of Naomi to leave her in her distress, instead, she committed to stand with her through the pain. Isn't this the way we should be with our friends? Heart connected in such a way that we stand with them in their tough stuff, ready to be immovable when their world seems to be spinning?
Living life in community with like-minded, God seeking, Jesus passionate girlfriends is one of the greatest blessings God has given to me. As a mentor and leader of women, it makes me smile when I see other ladies around me experiencing the same thing; true friendship. God's design for women is to have relationship with one another in healthy ways, ways that glorify Him, and bring us closer to Him. I can not imagine my life without the ladies who walk on each side of me. God's agenda far outweighs our own insecurities, and trusting that He has the best in mind for me gives me freedom, because I know it is He who has chosen for me, the "Best of the Best."
True Friendship~
It speaks Truth and Life~It Protects and Defends~It Sits and Listens~It Stands and Fights.
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