Reflections and Resolve

With the 10 year anniversary of 9/11 coming up I was reminded of that fateful day and all its emotional ramifications. The horror, the fear, the uncertainty of what was next and the outright feeling of helplessness in the form of terrorism. That morning I immediatly touched base with my husband, my mother, my children and my sister. Just reaching out to "touch someone" was necessary.

A revival rallied in our land that day and the days after. People were drawn to churches and to prayer. Families loved each other a little more. Friends and acquaintances spoke in kinder and gentler tones. Our world had literally been rocked and for a while we knew that we were part of something much bigger than ourselves. It must not have taken long to sink back into our complacency as a nation, but also as Christians. Ten years later we are headed down a road that I'm afraid our children and grandchildren will pay the price. Christians, believers must take a stand. Eternity is at stake and we cannot afford to be silent any longer. It's been too long now.

I found this statement on a particular website and it struck my heart:

"I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I'm a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, deluded, or delayed. I wll not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won't give up, shut up, let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me---my banner will be clear!"

Father, pierce our hearts to look like You. When that great day comes, I want to be recognizable.