I had to wrestle with this, first to accept it and then whether to share it or not. But then I realized I may not be the only one who struggles with this and it's a teachable moment. I have to use the same Word of God to stand as you do. I'm not exempt from questions, desires, challenges, and so much more.
"You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that." (Matthew 5:43-47 NLT)
Lord have mercy! I felt this to my very core given the assignment the Lord has given me.
TRANSPARENCY MOMENT:
I was like, Lord really? Really? This was not an Isaiah moment when he says, "here am I Lord, send me!" (See Isaiah 6:8) I was wondering, isn't someone else available? Does it have to be me?
Reality moment: My response after the initial shock was, yes Lord I will be faithful to this assignment. It's not about me.
This is when the Scripture that tells you to pray for your enemies and those who persecute you becomes real and a full-time assignment with no end in sight.
And yet, will I trust Him!
"Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions. With all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make." (Proverbs 3:5 TPT)
Lord knows I don't understand this but will honor God and the calling on my life by obeying Him and cheerfully accepting His assignment for me. I know He's not only refining me, but He's also teaching me to pick up my cross and follow Him more closely!
"Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone desires to be My disciple, let him deny himself [disregard, lose sight of, and forget himself and his own interests] and take up his cross and follow Me [[a]cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying, also]." (Matthew 16:24 AMPC)
I hope to always live this out in my life:
"You, therefore, must be perfect [growing into complete maturity of godliness in mind and character, having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity], as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Matthew 5:48 AMPC)
He wouldn't have commanded it if He wasn't going to equip us to be able to do it!
Be Encouraged! ❤
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