Refuse To Live Reactionary

One of the reoccurring phrases I've been rehearsing in my prayer time for the past couple years is this: "Lord, help me get this right."

In fact, I have sticky notes in various places in my home and in journals to help me remember.

Our community has suffered recently from some very heartbreaking and devastating news. News that has left many with wounds that cut deep.

And what we are witnessing is the work of evil.

But through it all I know who still sits on the throne.

I know who still remains in charge.

And victory still belongs us us - His children.

For me it has become a matter of refusing to live reactionary to the devil's work.

To live my life absolutely UNIMPRESSED by the attempt of destruction on the lives of people.

My job... my assignment... is to reveal the heart of God here on the earth.

My obligation is to carry redemptive solutions just like Jesus did.

To figure out where He's walking and then cling to Him in any given situation.

To pray continuously for the things I don't understand, and to shift atmospheres so that the negative affects of evil have no place of power and authority.

We MUST begin living from a place of victory.

We MUST begin living in response to the Father, NOT in reaction to the enemy.

In this world.... we WILL have trouble.

But there's a grace-filled promise attached to that verse we tend to overlook: BUT... "take heart. I have overcome the world."

Jesus didn't live reactionary to the work of evil.

He offered grace.

He showed love.

He healed all who were brought to Him.

He gave opportunity for redemptive solutions to every sufferer.

And then He proceeded forward in the things of the Lord.

Jesus did these things.

And so must you and I.

"Greater works will you do than I did." (John 14:12)

And so I don't have the privilege of vocalizing my "opinion" on a matter... instead I have an obligation to pray until my heart begins to ache for the things that cause His heart to ache. I have an obligation to contend for the miracle of forgiveness and redemption. I have an obligation to be Jesus with skin on and demonstrate His goodness here in the land of the living.

And I need Him desperately to "help me get this right."

Because I have been given this one chance to serve Him well and to re-present Him in the best light possible.