Fightin' Words

This week has been a battle. Not one of those that you plan and train for, and feel equipped to fight, but a full-out ambush by an enemy manipulating a friend.

I’ll be honest with you: It took me a few hours to stop reeling from the first verbal punches. Round two came two days later. Round three is scheduled to take place in a meeting that’s been put off for three days in a row now.

When I entered the door of the church this Sunday, I walked with a bit of an emotional limp. Little did I know that God was waiting to supply me with some much-needed ammunition to put the pep back in my step, lift my head, and send me back in feeling more excitement than fear this time.

This particular Sunday, in place of the Apostles’ Creed, we were given a copy of “The Zimbabwe Covenant.” I’ve been carrying it with me ever since. I don’t know who to credit for writing this, so if any of you do, please let me know. But here it is for you other wounded warriors out there who need some refreshment before you head back into battle.

“I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Spirit Power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of His. I will not look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.

My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I am finished and done with low-living, sight-walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotion, or popularity. I do not have to be right, first, tops, recognized, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, am uplifted by prayers, and labor by power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven. My road is narrow, my way is rough, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed. I will not give up, shut up, or let up. I will go on until He comes, and work until He stops me.

I am a disciple of Jesus.”

Fight on fellow soldiers!