No Co-Signer
"For I, declares the Lord, 'will be a wall of fire around her [protecting her from enemies], and I will be the glory in her midst.'" -Zechariah 2:5 AMP
Have you ever been gaslighted?
I did not really know what it was until I experienced it. The best way I can describe it is unexpectedly being burned. It was so confusing and hurtful primarily because I was not prepared to be put under fire. The fuel was doused, the matches lit, and next thing I knew, I was engulfed. I can't even remember everything clearly. I knew it was an attack though because God is a God of order (1 Corinthians 14:33).
My human instinct was to defend. But one thing I vividly recall was the Holy Spirit saying to me "let it burn!!!" During this encounter, I felt joy in "losing". No doubt, it stung and was frustrating. However, I saw the necessity of letting it all be exposed. I had to embrace failing against the measurers and their measurement. The bait of Satan is to bring on the spirit of offense.
There was one ally that I appreciated that attempted to quench the flames; others that I expected to do this only fanned them! But, I have to be able to stand alone in the assignment God has given me, believing He is always with me!
God has spoken directly to me: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).
I do not need a Co-Signer to what God has promised me!
Jesus has paid my debt in full. I believe His message!
"The Lord is my light and my salvation - so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident" (Psalm 27:1-3 NLT).
I am already on fire for God by the power of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, any fuel being poured on me can only further refine me to do what God has called me to do! On my journey, God will take me to places and spaces to use me as He sees fit. His process allows Him to break any strongholds of pride and empowers me to face rejection while continuing to love others throughout the mission He has for me.
I must stay connected to Jesus to have the wisdom in this struggle. I cannot do this without Him! Though being set apart can feel lonely at times, I can do what God has asked of me by His amazing grace.
"Teach me how to live, O Lord. Lead me along the right path, for my enemies are waiting for me. Do not let me fall into their hands. For they accuse me of things I've never done; with every breath they threaten me with violence. Yet I am confident I will see the Lord's goodness while I am here in the land of the living" (Psalm 27:11-13 NLT).
God is disciplining me because He loves me. He wants to do new things through me to glorify Him and point others to Jesus. To do this, I must be unshakable, no matter what comes my way. He has a big assignment for me and I cannot tone down from who He has created me to be! I will only see opposition as giants if I view myself as small.
For me to bring forth my specific part in His plan, I have to follow His Word. It says to use my every day, ordinary life and place it before Him as an offering - my contribution with my gifts to His Kingdom.
I have to stay focused on Him to be successful as He - not the world - defines and sees it.
For the Word says: "'...Once again I shake not only the earth but the heavens also.' This means all of creation will be shaken and removed, so that only unshakable things will remain. Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. For our God is a devouring fire" (Hebrews 12:26-29 NLT).
You will have to go through some things - just you and God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit - to move forward when you are called to a purpose. Do you believe the message of Jesus Christ? If so, you are ready for the heat! Go!
Not everyone will understand your mission. Persecution should be expected. But "...God causes everything to work together for the good for those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them" (Romans 8:28 NLT).
"Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord" (Psalm 27:14 NLT).
"At the right time, I, the Lord, will make it happen" (Isaiah 60:22 NLT).
Authentic Existence® Affirmation: I am on fire for God!
Heavenly Father, thank You for supplying all my needs! Help me to honor the commitments You have directed me to execute in accordance with Your will. Help me to be sensitive to Your voice. May that which You assign me to bring out the best of me and develop well-formed maturity in me.
In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen!
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Cynthia, thanks so very much for this important and timely Word! It is as powerful as it is empowering and encouraging. Blessings of God’s Grace and Peace be multiplied in Your life, in Jesus’ Name. ❤️