Courage To Overcome
I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! (Revelation 3:15)
There was also a problem with the church of Laodicea that John writes to in Revelation. While the church of Sardis (which we spoke about yesterday) lacked the power of the holy spirit as a source of revival, renewal, and restoration, the church of Laodicea lacked something more basic—courage. For it is not until one is willing to look within and to be one’s authentic self that he or she can truly walk in God-given purpose.
The church of Laodicea was in bondage trying to be like the other churches around them. They built the building they had because they saw the churches in other cities had great cathedrals. Everything they did was about investing time, effort, energy, and resources into being like others, and consequently, they lacked the power they needed because they struggled to be who and what God called them to be.
We can’t continue to go through life doing, acting, and looking like everyone else. God created us all to be different and unique, so what works for someone else might not work for you. What’s easy for someone else might be difficult for you. There’s no shame in that. But what that does mean is we need to be courageous and bold in confronting whatever we are facing. Just because someone else doesn’t struggle with something doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing if you do struggle with it. Your challenges are uniquely designed for your course and destination.
Whatever you’re walking through today, may you not follow the example of the church of Laodicea. Instead, may the Lord give you the courage you need to do the very things He is calling you to do.
There was also a problem with the church of Laodicea that John writes to in Revelation. While the church of Sardis (which we spoke about yesterday) lacked the power of the holy spirit as a source of revival, renewal, and restoration, the church of Laodicea lacked something more basic—courage. For it is not until one is willing to look within and to be one’s authentic self that he or she can truly walk in God-given purpose.
The church of Laodicea was in bondage trying to be like the other churches around them. They built the building they had because they saw the churches in other cities had great cathedrals. Everything they did was about investing time, effort, energy, and resources into being like others, and consequently, they lacked the power they needed because they struggled to be who and what God called them to be.
We can’t continue to go through life doing, acting, and looking like everyone else. God created us all to be different and unique, so what works for someone else might not work for you. What’s easy for someone else might be difficult for you. There’s no shame in that. But what that does mean is we need to be courageous and bold in confronting whatever we are facing. Just because someone else doesn’t struggle with something doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing if you do struggle with it. Your challenges are uniquely designed for your course and destination.
Whatever you’re walking through today, may you not follow the example of the church of Laodicea. Instead, may the Lord give you the courage you need to do the very things He is calling you to do.
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