Many years ago when I was receiving a write up, my first write-up ever, my boss reminded me em-pathetically of something. Mind you, I was crying because I had never been written up. He said Alicia, “have you ever seen a sword made?” I said “kinda, I’ve seen the process on youtube.” He then goes on to explain the process of making a sword. That when it starts the sword is basically just flat metal but once it’s been heated up, beaten up, cooled off,grinded, beaten up some more, and put back in the fire some more it become sharp, shiny, and basically a piece of art that’s ready for battle.
At that moment I was a sword with some rough edges, and my boss the sword maker. However, my relationship with God isn’t much different. Sometimes He lets the devil test me and tempt me. I get put in the fire, and beaten on a little. And when I’m brittle He doesn’t let me break. Instead He grinds on me a little with the Word. Sharpening my defenses to the enemy. And eventually in my faithfulness, perseverance, and with God’s guidance I am truly strong enough for battle. But how often do we tap out? How often do we fall victim to the devils tricks? How often do we block our blessings by just giving up or worse, we blame God?
I’m in that grinding season. No doubt that I’m being tested. No doubt there’s a little voice saying “just give up, so you won’t have to be a failure.” I feel like I’ve been falling flat on my face some days and then other days I’m grateful and joyful for the testing because I see changes happening. Thankful and joyful that my God is one that’s with me in the trenches. Thankful that my God puts me at a table with my enemies. And though I walk through that valley of the shadow of death…no evil I shall fear. No mountain I won’t attempt to climb.
So, my friends, what kind of temptations are you having in your life? How do you think God is using them for your favor in your future? What special things have been on your heart but you’re too scared to do? Do it anyways! Because time and time again the areas I’ve been too scared to enter are the areas that God has shown up the most! Every weak spot. Every broken spot in my life has had a purpose in the Kingdom far greater than I could’ve ever imagined. So what if you actually succeed? What if you actually do something great? Dare to act. Dare to plan for greatness.
