RENEW A STEADFAST SPIRIT WITHIN ME...

For the past few weeks I've been keeping an eye on one red leaf that has remained clinging to a branch on the Red Maple outside my window. Despite gale force winds, a snow storm and freezing rain, it's stubbornly remained in tact to greet me every morning with a message of steadfastness.

We simply can't do this earthly trek without a steadfast spirit.

It not only keeps us from sinning, but it's what keeps us believing in what we do not see, and certain of what we hope for!!!!!

Without that 'I will not be moved' mentality, standing firm in the faith would be impossible!!

A steadfast spirit is what got Abraham up every morning while he waited for his Isaac, it's what kept the hammer in Noah's hand, gave Paul and Silas a song in the dungeon and compelled Jesus to cry out to God, "not what I will, but may YOUR will be done!!"

And, it's what took twenty-seven year old John Chau to a tribe of unreached people who live on North Sentinel Island, located in the Indian Ocean.

Just last week - John made a few trips to the island to scout things out. He gave the isolated tribe gifts - scissors, safety pins and footballs. He wrote in his journal that some of the people were kind, but others were very hostile, that his inspiration was Jesus and that if he died, to please not blame the Sentinelese people.

On November 16, just ten days ago, John hired a fishermen to take him to the island and told him that he would not be coming back. John was in it for the long haul, willing to do whatever it took to make sure these people came to know Jesus!!!

THAT'S A STEADFAST SPIRIT!!!!

A steadfast spirit keeps you right where GOD wants you to be, despite the opposition or the outcome!!! 
A steadfast spirit enables you to hang on to what GOD has spoken; it gives you the courage to refuse to listen to any other voice, except for THE VOICE that spoke the world into existence and has asked you to join Him on top of the waves!!!

Much like Jim Elliot, and the other 4 men who responded to GOD'S call to come to Ecuador back in the 1950's - on the morning of November 17th, 2018 John was speared to death and buried in the sand by the people he came to love.

Sovereign God, renew a steadfast spirit within your people....

May we refuse to be swayed by the lies of the enemy, by the opinion of people or by the level of our comfort...
May we fiercely hang on to every, single, solitary promise you have declared....
May we stand firm in the faith and let NOTHING move us....

May we stand out like the tiny red leaf as a testimony to the power of your grip and the honor of being called to make you known.....

Yes and Amen,

M & S