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I decided to go on a walk today with my two dogs, and watched the sky cautiously. When you live
in the Pacific Northwest, you become an avid sky watcher, particularly if you want to do anything
outdoors. Dark clouds hung low, threatening rain, but I looked hopefully for a thinning section of
sky, and saw a lovely patch of blue in the distance. Weather changes in minutes here, so your
chances of a rain-free walk are 50/50. I loaded the dogs in the car, and headed for my favorite
paved trail, praying that God would do as He has often done-hold back the rain until I was done.
The dogs and I had walked about a mile when the clouds opened up and a deluge ensued. I
searched the sky for a possibility of a let-up, but it was grey as far as the eye could see. I had
another mile to go to make it to my goal--the red stop sign--and then the two miles back. I stood
under a large tree, hoping it would let up quickly. A lone female jogger went by with a cheery
smile, apparently unfazed by the rain.
I grew increasingly annoyed, particularly since God wasn't answering my prayers to stop the rain.
As the jogger faded into the distance, I decided I was as washable as she, and edged back into
the rain. Nonetheless, I was still put out that I had three miles to go in driving rain. My sweatshirt
was getting heavier by the moment, and my good hair day was now just a memory. A few
moments later, I heard that voice in my head that I have grown to know as God's.
"It's only rain drops. It could be bullets."
The statement drew me up short. I thought about all the unrest in the Mideast right now, and the
fighting in Yemen in its capital city, Sanaa. Security forces have fired live bullets at protesters
against President Saleh. This is only an echo of what has already happened in Egypt, Syria and
Bahrain. It did make my complaints seem pretty petty.
I had to respond to the Voice. "So you're calling me a whiner?"
"If the shoe fits..."
When you get to know God in a personal way, you realize that He doesn't pull any punches. He's
tender when you really need tenderness, but He's tough when you're wimping out. He doesn't
want whiners, He wants warriors. As Christians, we're on a battlefield every day of our lives-a
battle against Satan himself, and trust me, he shoots to kill. He wants to take down every person
he possibly can to hell, including God's beloved children, and if he can't take us to hell, he'll enjoy
wounding us at every opportunity. God expects us to stand up and be the warriors He's made us
to be. If I can't handle three miles of rain, that's a pretty sad commentary on what God can trust
me to do for His kingdom.
The fact is, I really want Him to use me. My driving desire is to know unequivocally that I am being
used for His glory. There is something majestic about God trusting and ordaining me for a mission,
and then setting my feet on the right path, and going with me to help me do what only I have been
equipped to do. There's nothing else like it, nothing at all.
I was watching CNN the other morning, and they were featuring a restaurant in Charlotte, NC,
called "The King's Kitchen." The owner and chef, Jim Noble, has a mission for the restaurant. It is
a not-for-profit restaurant, and all proceeds go back to the community, helping to feed those in
need. You can tell by the name of the restaurant that Mr. Noble knows and loves God. Mr. Noble
was interviewed briefly for the spot, and he made a comment that I thought was particularly
profound. He said, "At some time in your life, you have to make a distinction between success and
significance."
That's what I mean. We are called to significance. God doesn't want us to whine and shrink back.
He wants each of us to shine and do something majestic in our lives for Him, but to do that, we
can't be whiners. We have to be warriors, walking toward our destiny with confidence that our God
is with us and that we will make a difference.
God has already outfitted us for the mission. He's given us specific gifts that we must employ to
have success in our mission. We must know what those gifts are and use them. And we must use
them without thought of profit, because God alone provides the booty and the spoil for His
warriors. God is a magnificent provider.
God has not only gifted us for our mission, He has armed us for battle. We are told in Ephesians
6:10-18 how to put on the full armor of God. We are to "be strong in the Lord and in the strength of
His might." Did you note that He's not expecting us to furnish our own strength, but to use His
might? We have full claim to it. Only when we put on the full armor of God can we stand firm
against the schemes of the devil. If we leave even one piece of God's armor behind, the devil will
know exactly where the chink is, and go for blood.
We are to gird our loins with His truth, put on the breastplate of righteousness, shod our feet with
the preparation of the gospel of peace, and take up the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and
the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And finally, with all prayer and petition, we are to
pray at all times in the Spirit.
Oftentimes it might not seem like we are making headway in our mission. We may feel wimpy,
weak and insignificant. We may wonder if our lives are amounting to anything, or if God is really
using us. And just when we feel like we want to lay down our swords and walk away, God will give
us a glimmering. About a week ago, my good friend told me that after reading my book, a friend's
daughter came to the Lord. I've never met this girl, but what a thrill it was to know that I had been
used to make a wonderful difference in someone's life.
If you have asked God to use you, He will. There are practically no sweeter words to God than,
"Use me, Lord. Use me." And when you do, you'd better get a good grip on your Bible, because
you'll find yourself going places and making inroads for God.
I guess I'd better stop whining and shine up my shield.
I'm the author of "God, Up Close and Personal," a book about the character of God. Come on over
to my site and read my blog... I've always got a great "God story" about how He shows up in my
life in some pretty incredible ways. God is a very personal God... as close as the hairs on your
hand... and if you haven't experienced Him like that, then you're missing out on the most incredible
relationship of your life. Read about Him at http://www.godupcloseandpersonal.com/.
Article Source:
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