I don’t know if you’re aware, but a war is happening. It is the fight between light and darkness. The clash between good and evil. And it’s much worse than any movie or tv show can portray. 

It’s worse because it’s real.

I remember long ago, having this impression deeply embedded into my heart. Knowing that I was born into a war and that my calling, my purpose, was to release light and truth amid that war. 

My calling was to set the captives free.

But in war, there is always opposition.

I said as much to a new friend recently. We were finalizing the audio recording for When Love Wins, and he alluded to the obstacles that surface when doing this kind of work: the Father’s work. I agreed. I assured him I was well aware of this opposition.

Often times we do not like to think of the forces set against us when we walk in purpose. I think that historically, the church has done a disservice by misteaching proper protocols when equipping us to combat such forces. Or not equipping us at all.

I’m grateful to have been equipped and am still being equipped. 

Maybe this kind of talk makes you uncomfortable. Perhaps you don’t want to think about the opposition. But, friend, if you feel called to purpose, you need to know what side you’re fighting on. 

People are relying on you to know.

Our purpose is always tied to people, and when we’re called to be leaders, to lead in this war, well, “..to whom much is given, much is required” (Luke 12:48).

Good leadership requires knowledge. 

I’m knee-deep in a tv series right now that demonstrates this truth. The characters are survivors of many atrocities, yet they rise to the top after every battle. It is a scenario where only the strong survive, and the strongest are the leaders. But, of course, a show gets boring if the audience gets used to the main characters always coming out on top after every setback. 

When the enemy is constantly defeated, he isn’t as scary. 

So the writers get immensely creative and conjure up a deranged narcissistic psychopath who becomes their oppressor. He makes our strong leaders look weak by using fear to dominate them. He makes our previously elite heroic warriors beg for mercy like toddlers. 

I haven’t gotten to where they’ve figured out how to overthrow this guy, but I’m rooting for them because I know it has to happen. There are five more seasons to this show, so victory has to come.

One thing that is apparent to me, though, is that victory cannot come to them apart from their partnership with other communities. In fact, so many of their other battles have only been won as a result of their sticking together. 

People are tied to our victories.

In the show, the oppressor makes them hand over their weapons. One of the leaders was off-sight when this happened and was able to hide a gun, but she didn’t have any bullets. Their group is at their lowest in morale, and everything looks grim. But at the end of this particular episode, the female leader goes to another man in her camp, waves her gun, holds up a shell, and says, “Make me a bullet.”

And just like that, there is hope. There is hope that, somehow, they will fight. 

Immediately I’m encouraged and immensely impressed at the ingenuity to think outside the box like that. When your enemy takes your weapons, and you have the wit to create new weapons. When your back is against the wall, and you have the insight to climb over it. 

Even when the war is raging, and it seems as if your oppressor has you threaded between his teeth, there is a way of escape. There is victory—when you’re fighting on the right side.

I’ve been re-reading some of the old testament and Joshua just led the Israelites to the promised land. Since this isn’t a new read for me, I already know the outcome; the Israelites, after 40 years of testing, will finally receive their inheritance. But now I’m a little older in the faith and have more understanding that the land promised to them isn’t just handed over. They have to fight for it. Inwardly I wrestle with this, wishing it didn’t have to be so hard to obtain what was promised. But in my reading, I realize the promise within the promise. 

Every time God tells them to go to battle, He assures them they will win.

That’s how it is in this life. We go through many hardships, but when we are in purpose, when we are doing it for Him. Well, you already know the outcome…. 

Let’s try to remember that when we’re in the thick of it. When there is death, tragedy, illness, and sorrow. When the dark shadows of life loom all about. 

Oh, and if you were wondering just what tv show has me enthralled these days. Well, it is “The Walking Dead.” 

And if you’ve already seen it, please don’t tell me how it ends. Just like our lives, I want to be wowed by every triumph these characters experience, even after the most direst of circumstances.

In other news, did you know that I just dropped the pre-sale for my debut novel When Love Wins? You can check out more here! This time around there is an audiobook in addition to the eBook and paperback versions. Make sure you are subscribed to my email list to catch special offers, discounts, insider information, and more!

Are you on Instagram/Facebook? If so, please reach out. I have a series called “Word of the Day Wednesdays” where I share 5-10 minutes worth of nuggets that are on my heart, which I hope are encouraging to others on IGTV/FB Live! I have these also posted on my Youtube Channel.

And, lastly, if you have read “Stories for the (Urban) Soul, please put up an Amazon review here. I was SUPER encouraged and blessed when a new reader put up her review for my 2nd book which you can view here :).

As always, thank you for your support!

SHALOM