Stand.

In that moment I stood.

I recognized the day ahead could rob many of what should be. That desperation and wickedness, woundedness and unforgiveness and sin could potentially link arms on this day of celebration and of remembrance and of worship, and wreak further havoc upon the hearts of those I dearly love and have prayed for over the course of many years.

But…I paused and I stood- by faith in the Word of God that tells me that the prayer of the righteous one availeth much and that I am righteous- not because of who I am, but because of Christ in me, therefore, my prayers matter. They turn the ear of my Father, because of Christ in me.

And in that moment as I paused, I was reminded that I am in a war. We are in a war. And… while flesh and blood appeared to be the strongholds, the enemy at hand, the Truth is that we battle not against flesh and blood but against rulers and principalities of this world in heavenly places. Truth reminded me that it’s in those heavenly places I am seated at the right hand of the Father in Christ and in Christ, victory is mine. And so I stood.

The clock said it was time to move on. Others needed to clock out- dinner to prepare and families to return to. But I could not walk away from what I knew would be a battleground the following day. I considered walking, but quickly caught my head. If I had enough insight to know that those things could link arms- then we as believers and sisters in Christ had best link arms as well. And so there we stood- 4 women… a grieving daughter, two granddaughters, and a funeral director joyfully willing to stand with us for the things of God. And so the utterances began flooding the throne room of heaven- taking ground, prepping hearts, and clearing an atmosphere. “For He has not given us a spirit of timidity or confusion but one of a love, and power, and a sound mind.” As we concluded- an equipping had taken place. An equipping to love in the midst of adversity, an empowering to not take offense, a reminder of who we were and how we are to stand on our firm foundation.

For nearly three years, I’ve heard “be strong and courageous, do not fear, do not be dismayed- the Lord is with you wherever you go…. Time and time again. Like a broken record that I delight in- I continually hear this instruction from my Father. Days before my grandmother’s funeral, I asked the Father, “AM I doing it? Am I being strong and courageous? And for what? When does this courageous season pass? What is it about? Am I done yet? I am not even sure that I am doing it?” As I concluded in prayer that day, in obedience to the Father’s nudging to pray, the funeral director looked at me in awe and gratitude that she was included in this intimate, holy time and said, “You are so brave! You are so strong and courageous.” My sister recognized her words as well. For me, Father was giving me a “that a girl” pat on the back.. “You’re doing it, Mika.” This call to courageous and strong living is not for a season but for a lifestyle. It's not just for me, but for all who are called by His name. It's not in our own strength, but in His. It's not for our own agenda, but His. It's a call to rise up and move to the feet of Jesus battling for Life on behalf of others. There is no greater cause to battle. There is no other way, but to go the One who says, "Vengeance is mine... I am the defender of the weak."

Just as we desire to encourage our children in well-doing and cheer them on- So does He! He knows your name and He’s routing for you to choose Life every time. Sometimes its more fun than others. Sometimes it involves taking ground-VICTORIOUSLY. Other times, it involves relinquishing things we’re holding a little too tightly- VICTORIOUSLY. The feeling of victory doesn’t always follow closely behind the choice of obedience, but you can know that if you’ve obeyed, you are most definitely walking in victory! Dance a dance and a shout a praise to Him who called and equipped you. Sometimes it has everything to do with your strengths and weaknesses and heart. Other times, it has nothing to do with you, but with those that are intently watching for Jesus in you. I’m not sure what the battleground consists of that sits before you, but rest assured it has nothing to do with flesh and blood, but everything with an enemy that is determined to keep the blind blinded, the captive bound, the sinner sinning, the broken-hearted broken. There is good news! He who was promised to come came and will come again! There is Hope! Pray! Don’t shrink back! Don’t give way to fear, shame, or offense. Love covers a multitude of sins.

Don’t let your pauses to consider God become pauses that convince you to turn away.

Stand. Pray. Trust. Hope. Link arms with other believers. You are equipped. Mighty are the words of a believer. Speak life and life goes forth.

---

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7PUW1olxx8, “Dry Bones,” by Lauren Daigle

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeBv9r92VQ0, “Speak Life,” by Toby Mac