Revolution

I am in a revolution, being called to bear arms against a regime that stands against all I believe in. Scripture says that this enemy's gates cannot stand the pounding of the collective onslaught of God's people. There is too much at stake for me not to commit all I am and all I have to the battle. Yet, my commitment is often challenged. The earnestness of my devotion and trust in God's plans and purposes are questioned. My hand of faith is forced and must be laid on the table for all to see.

Do you ever step out in faith, make a decision to commit it all and then watch as seemingly everything starts to unravel? I think to myself, "Did I make the right decision?" "God, what are you doing, I thought you were going to be with me and bless me?" "I thought you had a plan to defeat the enemy not let him attack me with such force." Disappointment enters the picture or is it dissatisfaction?
On Monday a friend of mine sent me a quote that a friend of hers had written:

"But it is more earnest then even that, revolution is impossible without an ingredient every one of us hates and avoids with all the cunning of understandable self-protection. Disappointment is the despised essential of authentic change. Disappointment is a catalyst. Yet, 'disappointment' isn't exactly the word; it languishes a little too long in the atmosphere of defeat. 'Dissatisfaction', on the other hand, has a tang of energetic hope and carries the idea more accurately. For the dissatisfied are likely to try again, and then...try again if need be; they are the ones who give a good attempt...trip...lie there to catch their breath; still sprawled, the pain of failure dissipates and they slowly recall the beauty of their original hope, realizing that though the attempt to attain it may have resulted in an undignified face-plant, hope, never the less remains utterly beautiful. Renewed love inspires belief and soon enough, the Dissatisfied are filled with fresh hope; they get up, dust off and give another effort. The Dissatisfied are dogged because they love well, almost too well. "

Circumstances have a way of causing me to take my eyes off the reality of the big picture, the meta narrative, the grander theme, the reason for my hope! And yet as I stop and ponder God's work in light of my struggle, I am inspired like Paul to say "I can do everything through him (Christ) who gives me strength!" Yet I am not in the fight alone for I have an army of brothers and sisters who are equally committed to the fight and whose sacrifice and generosity are a fragrant offering to God. I am renewed, inspired, strengthened and motivated to press on and prepare for all that God has for me. My prayer for all is that we trust in the God who is able to meet all our needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. May our holy dissatisfaction cause us to Live Out Loud, again and again and again!

I can't wait till this Sunday! Until tomorrow ... Live Out Loud on the Sacred Journey