Tell me do you think I’m dumb? (Our Resolve will shock you)

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12 (ESV)

resolve relinquished:

I limped around an amusement park, pushing a stroller, while consuming greasy carbs dripping in melted cheese and crying slow tears on sticky benches.

This week has left me deeply crushed in spirit.

And, in my hand, I feel the weight of this white flag. I am done. I am tired. I am defeated.

But there, still tiny in the distance, I can see her dirty brown hair and the big red banner waving above a resolute grip. She runs, and her eyes shout to me: YOU. WILL. FIGHT.

The spirit inside my soul swells and I know, with every crushed part that, I WILL.

resolve reminded:

One of the enemy’s sharpest tools is reserved for the destruction of our resolve. And, of course, the slam of a single, calculated blow can leave us entirely blindsided by the wounds we’re left to lick. But it’s the slow burns — the ones where disappointments, misunderstandings and lacking confidence are delivered in mounting layers — ones that leave us primed for a face-plant kind of trip-up on the tiniest of stone. It’s here that we lay on the ground under the weight of the enemy’s icing on the cake.

When satan takes your will, he takes the game.

This week I was led through scenarios where I discovered things like: I don’t give enough of myself to others, my efforts in ministry are not valuable and, most painfully, my integrity is questionable. Three separate blows, five short days. And I ate that frosting like it was my job. Sugar shock set-in, walls went up, and I peaced myself right on out.

Why–with all of this knowledge of an enemy who is out to destroy–do we continue to fall for the obviousness of his traps?

Well, to start with, every one of those things I faced this week are, at times, true. I can, in fact, be selfish, ill-equipped and even dishonorable. Sitting in the skin of a fallen nature that makes our most heroic days but a shadow of Jesus and the example of Him that our hearts long to recreate, it’s easy to claim defeat. Even worse, we wake up the morning after, refusing to don the coat of redemption, dismissing forgiveness and grace, because we are convinced that the least we can do is carry this yoke we, alone, created.

And it all feels deserved.

resolve reinstated:

But, holy crazy insanity…. WE MUST STOP IT. STOP IT NOW.

Because, days later, I woke up instinctually grabbing for my burden to strap on. And then, like an internal pre-set alarm, it started playing in my head. And I began singing along, when the knowing smile finally cracked. And, with it, the power of my resolve, all shiny and new. So, thanks, Meghan Trainor, for the most unexpectedly appropriate use of your lyrics today.

And, to my pathetic excuse of an arch enemy, have I got a message that I plan to stomp-style dance on your face for a good long while:

I know you’re lying
‘Cause your lips are moving
Tell me do you think I’m dumb?
I might be young
But I ain’t stupid
Talking round in circles
with your tongue…

Even still, I’m laughing about how simple it is. Because, of all the questions we have, we can be certain of one thing. HE IS LYING TO US. He knows what will hurt YOU most. He knows the lies you’re primed to embrace. He has set a stage to trip you up, make you crash and convince you to stay on that floor.

But your Father doesn’t lie to you.

More than that, He uses all of you. Every drop of our honest effort. Every step. Every conversation. Every sacrifice. Every moment we push through, chance we take, word of life we speak. And absolutely none of it will be perfect. But all of it will be His to transform into something that, with His coat of grace, will be a sacrifice most worthy of a King.

resolve redefined:

“In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life…”
2 Corinthians 2:14-16 (MSG)

For a reminder about the deep value you bring to the table, read: Remember Who You Are
And now go ahead, dance it on out with me: