Don't Back Down

When God plants something inside of your heart, do you stand firm? Do you resolve to go after everything He has for you, and for you to do for Him, no matter what? Do you grab hold of Him and refuse to let go? Because most likely, everything that can will come against you to get you to do just that - to let go, give up, discourage you from believing and get you to return to your life of mediocracy.
The past week I have talked with several people about things God has planted in their hearts. One man wants to share Jesus with other guys as they work on cars (isn't it funny how men feel most comfortable in the garage or eating together) as well as bless single moms with car repairs. A woman is excited about the wonderful things God has recently done in her life and wants to glorify God with others who also are excited about Him and want to learn all they can about Him. A small group of teens are stepping out to lead others in praising Jesus thru music. A man and his wife are starting a church where people can come to party with Jesus. A woman sees her house being used as a place where people discover the freedom of knowing Jesus as their Deliverer and are set free as they learn who they are in Christ. Wow! And to all of these things I say yes and amen!
Obviously there is a defeated foe who is not happy about any of these things and would like nothing better than to shut them down before they even get started. He whispers lies and discouragement, speaking of inadequacies, financial hardships, and persecutions. How great it is that he is defeated already and we don't have to listen to him. Each of these people can stand firm resting in the knowledge that what they want is what God wants, and when He is for us, who can stand against us. We don't have to be concerned about our inadequacies, as He is more than adequate within us. He is our Provider - He is the One responsible for giving what is needed to do what is needed. And He never left any doubt that there would be persecutions - that is why He told us to stand firm!
So don't back down - the Body of Christ needs you too badly to drop out now!