Day 221: I Refuse To Give Up...A dose of Holy Stubbornness

CLICK HERE AND WATCH THIS VIDEO FIRST

Lately I've been wondering how much more I have to give. Have you ever been in that place?

In three weeks time I've lost my house, had to move to a new city, almost lost my job, wrought with unexplainable health issues, family drama (affairs...divorce...you name it), and as of just a few days ago my dad was diagnosed with cancer [just to name a few]. Needless to say, I more than empathize with the football player in this clip.

[side note: doesn't this clip make you want to work out? I felt like running a short (emphasis on the word "short") marathon after watching the video.]

[side note #2: One of my favorite speakers, Patsy Clairmont, says this, "I woke up feeling ready to take on the world. I got up, ran around the block, then kicked the block back under the bed." As I type this quote, I'll admit it, I giggle a little. This is Patsy to the right. Isn't she zippy?---------------------->>>]

Back to the point. Yes, there's a point. I woke up this morning feeling refreshed, like THE Coach was cheering me on. I read my Bible and found this gem:

Luke 21:1-4 (Amplified Bible)

1LOOKING UP, [Jesus] saw the rich people putting their gifts into the treasury.

2And He saw also a poor widow putting in two mites (copper coins).

3And He said, Truly I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them;

4For they all gave out of their abundance (their surplus); but she has contributed out of her lack and her want, putting in all that she had to live on.

Yesterday at church (in case you were wondering--I go to the best church ever), someone was talking about this scripture in relation to giving money. Yes, I do think that this verse is about giving of your money, but this morning God used these verses to refresh my soul. Here's why...

So many times I come before the Lord in the abundance of my life. I praise Him, I thank Him and I ask Him for more of His heart. These are all great things! But these past few weeks I've felt a little bit like a widow...a depravity of soul if you will. And yet, it's in that place that I want to give MORE. I find myself wanting to praise more, cry more, laugh more, do more, read more and even sit more. I might only have a little bit left after all of the events of the day (like the widow putting in her two copper coins), but I will contribute out of my lack and my want, putting in all that I have to live on.


And part of that means refusing to give up. It's a sacrifice so pleasing to the Lord when we stick it out and persevere, depending solely on His strength. What joy that must bring His heart! Yet, Satan wants everything in his power to see me give up. Well, I have news for everyone on earth and every being in the heavenlies:

I won't give up.

I actually yelled at the top of my lungs the other day, "Satan, you can take whatever you want and my answer will STILL be 'Yes & Amen'!!!" Then I danced around my living room balling my eyes out to the song "So Good To Me." The cat just starred at me like I was a loon.

I don't care what any one says...Thankfulness is warfare.

So, today, oh God, let the praises that I sing be a sweet, sweet sound to your ears, knowing that it's out of the depth of my soul that I sing. May my life offering be worth more to you, Jesus, now than ever before because I am giving out of poverty rather than of wealth.

I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me.
Psalm 13:6

And Satan is going to regret messing with me. ;) And just in case you aren't inspired enough, watch THIS video. One of the most rock-solid, extreme followers of Christ I've ever seen, Nick Vujicic. Nick has no arms and no legs and travels all over the world telling kids about Jesus. I actually met the dude in a hotel last year and can honestly say he is one of the most radical people I have ever met. Woah.