I have realized many fall away from the faith as the road gets hard. I can honestly say..I do understand. Few consider the cost of following Christ. Unfortunately, we have done little to make warriors explaining the trenches of the enemy, the life of the faithful disciples in the Bible..and the truth that many turned away when Christ explained the cost of following Him. I really do not recall anyone explaining to me the narrow road. We many times share the bliss of our lives with Christ..without the struggles, times of despair, etc. Oh but if I review the Psalms I see much desperation in the heart cries of the man after God’s own heart. Paul talks often of being stoned, shipwrecked, betrayed, and being imprisoned. Dare we not also enter into this type of teaching? That new believers will know to ..”think not it strange..” these types of trials? For then when He draws one unto salvation we can rest assured it was His work and not human manipulation when we have fully explained the narrow road ..yet beautiful road that leads to life .

People die due to faithfulness to Christ. People are persecuted right now and tortured for sharing Christ with others. Yet their love for Him far surpasses all trials. For He is worthy of our lives and devotion. Much like Jonah I too have reasoned with the Lord as to why I should go back to “normal life”…the enemy tells me that I am not effective. That I am not worthy. That if I were really “called” wouldn’t at least some of the struggles rest. Wouldn’t prayers I have prayed for years be answered? Would not all my provisional needs be met? After all..if God calls..He also provides…? Oh be careful brothers and sisters. He never declared when He would provide..for they were required to step into the water FIRST..before He acted. We must be ever so cautious in this area…lest we nullify the requirement of faith. Without faith it is impossible to please Him:)

The enemy at times launches a full onslaught that would make the strongest of battle soldiers question their calling from the Lord. For Satan knows exactly how to best wound us in ways that will leave us bewildered and sometimes with long seasons of paralysis.

Yet even in these moments I understand that I am..WE ARE.. as Paul..”an ambassador in chains..” Not because my Father is cruel but because He loves deeply. So deeply I am convinced we will not fully understand this side of glory. Should I run from my “calling” as Jonah did…then likely I would find myself in the  belly of a fish of some sort. For my call..and  your call..has a lot at stake. Clearly, God needs not our help..He is all powerful and could do it all Himself. The Almighty One who spoke the world into existence could speak it all done. Yet He chooses to use feeble man to enter into a story with Him. A story that impacts future generations. It’s His way of fulfilling a glorious ETERNAL plan..and He is blessing us with His presence, love, and ways when we join Him in His work. For we get a front row seat…we no longer have to be a mere spectator.

His love is passionate..He is a pursuer. He does not let go easily. For He is truly jealous for us. El Quanna…jealous God. It’s one of His names…His nature and character! I am so grateful for His jealousy for me in a world where people seem to be easily disposable…to Him no one is disposable. All are special and important..and highly valued. For He is our maker and He took great care forming us to fulfill the plan He had for our lives. That unique place reserved for us…the one with OUR name on it..in the body of Christ where we are able to encourage and edify others with all He has placed within us.

So listen..quit running…we are bound by the precious blood of Christ. It poured for  us..for our redemption, restoration, and reconciliation. Embrace the chains of His love and thank Him that He never unlocks them. His love and Word endures forever..

Bound by the Blood..

I’m bound by the blood of sacrifice

Upon which Christ died for me.

For I cannot turn away

That which He gave me free.

For I have tried time and again

To run far, far away

But there is no place that I can hide

Or that my head can lay.

 

For His love is much too great

To ever let me go;.

For He is never far behind

Regardless of the road.

 

For when He hung upon that cross

He must have heard my name

I’ve wondered was my face etched in His memory

As He bore my shame.

 

My life I give to Him in return..

For Oh..it’s not very much.

I have very little to offer

But this heart He’s deeply touched.

 

My Lord.. He bore my sin

And washed me so very clean

 He gave me a brand new life

He gave me eyes to see.

Then He spun me around and said now child

It’s time to share THY plight.

From this moment on I’m yours

and beloved you are mine.

 

For I formed you in thy wound

With a specific purpose in mind

Yet should you choose to not step into

Your place…some may very well die.

 

Oh it’s not death of physical sorts

Yet critical it surely seems

For without your word and testimony

My face they may never see..

 

So be a voice..loud and strong

Please lace your words with love..

For mercy and grace will usher in

Salvation from above..

—Shelly Wilson

You may think saying YES to Christ is not critical. I am here to tell you otherwise. Someone is depending on it. So delay no longer..for such a time as this…is NOW.

…and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Ephesians 6:19-20