The other day at work, as well as several other days recently, I have been told that I've been dressing pretty "girly" lately (hard to believe, I know). Most of you who know me understand why this statement may have been made. You see, I REALLY love my sweatpants, gym shorts, and looser tees... and would EASILY take wearing them over jeans and a fitted tee, or skirts and a blouse (shocking, I know). It is not a bad thing this comment was made. It was kind of nice that somebody had noticed. I responded with a comment that I probably would not be wearing a skirt in the near future... or more like next Spring. When this particular person asked why that was, I reminded him of the strawberry/scar I have on my left shin.
A few months ago I slid playing softball (yes in shorts... no more sliding in shorts). It was simply done out of instinct on a close play, something I did not necessarily think about when I did it. However, I was safe at third and we ended up coming back and winning that game. I told the person that the scar was not very "girly". His response to that was, "It isn't a scar... that right there is a badge so you better wear it like one." A badge? Proof that I am willing to get down and dirty and sacrifice my body for something that I enjoy, even love, doing... without even thinking about it?
This conversation got me thinking today (imagine that). How much am I willing to get down and dirty for my faith? How much am I willing to sacrifice for Christ? Some see living for Him as a risk... in my eyes, something done for Christ should not be seen as a RISK as it is being done for Christ. However, sometimes I act as though I'm risking it all, holding on to materialism and "things". He has yet to fail me and is always with me... every step of the way. Am I willing to sacrifice anything and everything for the God who gave His only Son as a ransom for my filth? Give it my all for His purpose? His will? For a victory ALREADY WON?
"Love the Lord your God above all else..." ~Matthew 22:37~~Mark 12:30~
"And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first." ~Matthew 19:29-30~
My faith and my Savior, my relationship with the Father, should be something I am SO IN LOVE with, a relationship that I am so lost in, that I should follow wherever He leads and do anything for Him out of instinct... without questioning... without thinking about what I am doing in His name. Prayer Required. Counsel Sought and Received. God's will to be done. However, I often find myself questioning and doubting and hesitating. When I do that, most of the time, usually always, I am focusing on me, my own inadequacies, faults, filth, and lackings.
"But this isn't about you..."
"Why do you think it is about you..."
"Stop focusing on you and focus on Who this is really, truly about..."
I am blessed by those who give these gentle reminders. I am blessed by the guidance given and by those who challenge me. The truth follows...
"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." ~Philippians 4:13~
"... For apart from Me you can do nothing." ~John 15:5~
He is with me always... He will never leave me!! ~Isaiah 41:10~~Joshua 1:9~~Deuteronomy 31:6~
"For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, "Do not fear; I will help you."" ~Isaiah 41:13~
"The Lord is my Light and my Salvation -- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life -- of whom shall I be afraid?" ~Psalm 27:1~
"If God is for us, who can ever be against us?" ~Romans 8:31~
"But take heart; I have overcome the world." ~John 16:33~
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." ~2 Corinthians 12:9~
There may be scars and hurts and persecution along the way... those trials should be expected, not a surprise. ~1 Peter 4:12-13~
"For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever." ~2 Corinthians 4:17~
Why is it so hard to go all out for God? Those scars, should we not wear them as a badge, not to honor ourselves, but to glorify Him? Something to ponder... Am I willing to get down and dirty and sacrifice what I have for what I love more than anything else that ever existed? Am I willing to give it all and go all out for Christ?
