Standing In The Face Of Adversity
Good morning sisters!
This is one of my favorite verses to ponder upon as we are in the streets.
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Revelation 12:11
And yesterday was a glimpse into it. We were peacefully standing on a corner of a busy street holding GOSPEL signs for quite a while when a man began watching us from a little ways away. He was acting strange so I made sure to keep an eye on him with the body cam. After about 20 minutes he walked up and started talking to brother Jim. He started out somewhat non-controversial but that didn't last long before he started swearing, being vulgar and getting angry. I had the body cam on him up until the point he got agitated and then I put the phone camera on him.
We video people for our safety reasons and to show that we are blameless in our actions. After a while, brother Jim turned his back on the man and told him not to get mad but he was just going to hold his signs in peace and right then the man turned to me and although I wanted to turn away, I kept the camera on him. I thought about how the disciples were beaten because of Christ and I easily see that coming some day as we just saw that evidence being shown on brother Jim at that wicked church.
It's clear to see the hatred from people and oftentimes when they can't get to brother Jim, they turn on me. I saw that yesterday and for a split second my flesh reared up and I had fear, but I had to kill it and stood for the Lord in the face of adversity.
I'm thankful the day didn't turn into such things but we all must be ready because the day most certainly could be coming.
I don't share this to boast, I share because what goes on out here is real and oftentimes it's really easy to talk about it how we are to live our lives unto death (or even physical abuse) but quite another when faced with it. Add to it that we believers are not welcome in this world and that the ruling authorities are not necessarily for us either.
A sister shared this with me this morning...
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth. He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire. Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. Psalm 46:1-11
And this...
Hold fast sister saints. No matter who stands with you, leaves you or forsakes you...the Lord won't.
So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Hebrews 13:6
Love in Christ,
Sister Deb