Frustrated, Fascinated, Focused!

I don’t know about you, but lately, I have found myself in all of these categories.  Sometimes all in the course of one day!  Not just once or twice either!  What an amazing time we are privileged to live in.  However, along with this privilege, let’s accept the responsibilities of stewarding well the part we have to play in the midst of these world-shaking and shaping times!  Many reformers would give anything to be alive right now!  This doesn’t mean everything is easy or clear, instead it’s just the opposite.  

Frustrated … because I feel so limited in what part I can play.  I feel like Jeremiah in verse 20:9: 

“But if I say I’ll never mention the LORD or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!” 

I’m not saying that I am trying to hold it in, it’s simply that I feel so limited in an outlet to release all this firepower that He has placed within me!  I’m frustrated because I see the church faltering as we allow mandates to keep our services shut down, our mouths closed, and to remain distanced from one another!  Frustrated because there seems to be so little lack of true leadership in this hour to provide direction, hope, and mobilization for God’s people!  The mobs can organize and do as they please, but we continue to sit in our houses waiting for clearance to rise up and BE the church!  Frustrated at how easily people are all allowing our liberties to be stolen right out from beneath us!  Frustrated because I want to shout it from the rooftops, but somehow feel I am being too loud with a message people don’t really want to hear! WAKE UP!  COME ON!  LET’S GET GOING!!!  

Fascinated … as I discover the pages of the Bible leaping onto the real-life stage!  Fascinated (enthralled, intrigued, awestruck) to see that this indeed has played out before in the days of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, Haggai, Ezra, Nehemiah, and all the cast of characters we have read about but perhaps not understood how it applies in our lives.  Fascinated as the Holy Spirit reveals deeper and deeper the reality of Jesus in the book of revelation! Of Jesus – not of the ways we have previously been taught to fear, cower, and look to be taken out of here while the world endures tribulation. No! It’s the book of the unveiling or revealing of Jesus Christ. Fascinated to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit and the plans of God in the midst of these incredible times that we are privileged to live in.  Fascinated to see God’s word come alive on the worldwide stage!  My heart leaps with joy and expectation at the heartbeat of God’s plans and the enemy’s counter agenda to hijack it!  I realize there is much uncertainty, turmoil, fear, and the unknown all mixed in, but we can be expectant for the outcome we’ve always said we wanted … a move of the Holy Spirit that brings reformation in the hearts and lives of nations!   The birthing of this move does not come easily or without pain and tribulation, but let’s allow our fascination with the awe-struck wonder of God to turn our hearts and minds to His plans.  I’m certain that you join me in saying, “Lord, what can I do?”  “How can I participate?”  “I don’t want to just sit back, watch and let my mantra be:  “que sera sera” – whatever will be, will be! No sir!  Let’s allow ourselves to be put in the game and make a difference!

Focused … in the midst of frustration and fascination, I choose to remain focused on faith-forward thinking, actions, and speech.  I want to press in to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit and to respond according to His leading.  It takes a lot to remain focused in the heat of a battle.  When the picture around us changes so rapidly and the parts continue to shift and move, staying focused takes discipline, strength, faith, and a sober mind!  We cannot believe everything the media is shouting at us.  We cannot let our hearts be troubled by every narrative that seeks to move us from our stance.  Let’s guard the gates of our lives – our ears, eyes, hearts, and mouths in such a way that we can remain strong, focused, and steadfast.  Let’s not be tossed around by every wave (report) that seeks to throw us off course.  Let’s stand together, take action, and stay focused on “our job” at hand.  Let freedom, liberty, and righteousness be our goal as we take a stand in the most ferocious fight our world has ever seen!  

When we are frustrated, let’s allow ourselves to once again be fascinated by our God and His plan, and then to return to our post, focused and determined to fulfill our role in this historical moment in time!  When we’ve done what we know to do, then we will STAND!  Let’s take a bold stand as we choose a side, dig in our heels, and stand firm and steadfast.

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6:13