Balanced thinking often occurs sitting out on the limb or when navigating the rope bridge over the precipice.  Often I find myself not only reading the historical episodes of Lord’s Testament but actually placing myself in the sandals of the servants of God.  To imagine living as John the Baptist, surviving in a harsh environment knowing that your life’s work is to proclaim the coming of Messiah.  Having no formal training yet having a diamond constitution, resistant to all the assaults of society and religious hypocrisy.  Needing nothing but the knowledge of fulfilling God’s will for his life.  Afraid of nothing but the Lord.

Or walking in Joshua’s footsteps, the protege of Moses, having thrust upon his shoulders the establishment for the nation of Israel.  Steadfastly executing God’s strategy for the methodical cleansing of the Promised Land and religious sturdiness of a stiff-necked people.  James a humble man of Nazareth, for nearly his entire life having denied the deity of his brother Jesus’, yet becoming so bold a witness that he became the first minister to Jerusalem.  Paul, a trained Pharisee, being so richly blessed in service of himself then realizing his entire life had been a direct, sinful conflict with God.  In consequence, devoting his entire life in becoming the greatest missionary apostle that the world had ever known.  Esther, having to marry a foreign, pagan king and risk beheading to plead for the lives of her people.  Moses, being thrust into a leadership position after swearing away his worldly entitlement.  Is there one of us that can imagine he wanted to lead anyone, never mind a fickle populace on a journey of forty years in the unforgiving desert?

Not one of them thought himself superior to other believers.  None of them decided to pursue the demands of God for personal gain.  Yet every one of them was challenged by those around them in fleshly opposition.  People will always question your motivations when doing God’s work, heck we even question ourselves.  This is part and parcel in delivery of God’s message and is frankly the icy surface on which Satan finds us vulnerable.  Stepping out on the battlefield by nature comes with the dangers enemy assault, “friendly fire” or challenges of authority.  We can only pray it is at that moment when we declare plainly that we come in His name not our own.  I wish to do what I have been assigned to do for the Glory of Him who sent me.  Nothing more, nothing less, nothing else will do.  Jesus be served and praised with all my heart, mind, talent, treasure and soul.  Amen