The Bible says, "we wrestle not against flesh and blood...." Ephesians 6:12
The Bible says, "every man is right in their own eye..." Proverbs 21:2
The Bible says, "the battle belongs to the Lord..." 2 Chronicles 20:17
We shout, "it's not my fault, you said this, your words hurt me, you loose, you're wrong, I'm right, you're no good, I'm better than you, you don't understand, I want, you can't, we don't, you always, you never, I only" ... we say it all - on the inside!
But on the outside - we are silent.
When we face situations that force us to stand alone it becomes natural to compromise, to buy into social and religious 'fashion' for the sake of gain, or pleasure, or popularity -- yet it is divine to sacrifice all of this at the altar of God's truth and responsibility.
It is comforting, and human, to want to stand with the crowd...however, it is divine to stand alone. It is man-like to follow the popular, to follow society and culture - to follow the world and drift with the tide. It is God-like to follow a principle...to do all within your God-given ability to 'stem' the tide.
The battle scarred apostle wrote, "no man stood with me, but all men forsook me..." (2 Timothy 4:16) ...he stated this to defend his teaching, to defend his belief...a belief that was very contrary to the Roman world.
Noah built a boat and he sailed it ... alone.
Daniel prayed in a lion's den and he prayed ... alone.
Abraham wandered and worshiped ... alone.
Elijah sacrificed and witnessed ... alone.
Jeremiah prophesied and wept ... alone.
Jesus loved and died ... alone.
God's absolute -- His revealed Truth has been out of fashion since we changed our robes of fade-less light -- for garments of faded leaves.
It is a lonely place we walk... And, of this trail, Jesus said, "Straight is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life...and few there be that find it." (Matthew 7:14)
The Lord is looking for those who are willing to stand up and stand alone. Today - and every day - you are wanted. Men and women, young and old ...those who will obey the convictions of truth and duty...
...and by the way...
In Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV) we read...
6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
and...finally...
1 Corinthians 16:13 (NIV)
13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.
... I'm just sayin' - that standing up may cost you fortune, friends, everything .. Jesus said that it may cost us our life.
I'm willing ... you?
-Kelly
