On Sunday in my LifeGroup, the pastor that leads the group had said something that really, REALLY resonated with me and it brought relief to know that I was not way off base by feeling the way I felt. He basically said that we need to surround ourselves with other believers especially if we are working in the midst of a highly secular job. He was emphasising the point that it is hard to stay strong when we are surrounded by darkness.
God has been dealing with me on the whole, light in the darkness thing. We are literally the light to this dark dark world. The presence of God rests upon us. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us.
So last night, I was laying down, praying and watching lightening dart across the sky. With each dashing bolt and the loud crackling boom that came after each wave, I could night think about how it was keeping me awake. I couldn't help but realize, this is our life as a believer. We bring the light and we are salt. We keep the world from completely falling asleep…preservation.
So then, I was thinking about and trying to explain to the Lord how I "felt" afraid but I wasn't realy afraid. How it was like this lingering thought that "I am afraid" but didn't feel actually afraid. Then I realized it…it wasn't MY thought. It was an attempt to get me to accept what wasn't mine to accept. It was a thought placed by the enemy trying to get me to be…afraid and start doubting.
Then today, as I was heading home from work, one of my favorite songs "Redeemed" came on the radio. Something new stuck out to me this time. "So I'll shake off these heavy chains, wipe away every stain, because I'm not who I use to be…I am redeemed." Notice it says I WILL shake off these heavy chains then it goes on to wipe away every stain…emplying that we wipe away our stains. Now, I understand that GOD alone and His death on the cross and resurrection is why our stains have been wiped away when we accept Him however, I think there is a powerful truth in the way this comes across. We, as believers have to stand in our identity. We have had our stains wiped away but do we accept that and choose to wipe away the horrid memories of our past or do we dwell there? We have to move on. We have to wipe away the stains that we see. We must continue to desire to reflect Jesus.
I am still needing about $1,700 to meet my first deadline which is now been pushed back two days until October 1st. Training Camp is the 13th. This is not my battle and I continue to keep my peace. I am seeking to reflect Jesus in all that I do.
If you would like to help me reach my goal to get me overseas, please click the support me tab in the upper left hand corner or click the contact me for other support options. Blessings. 🙂
PS: How will you wipe away the stains and move on into your God given identity today? What will you do to bring light to this dark world?
