CALLED WITH PURPOSE: This morning as I sit looking out the window I notice the flag wafting in the breeze. I recently released this flag on Monday from the treacherous thorns of the climbing rose at the corner of the porch. I marveled at the beauty as it floated on the wind ... and then one little swift movement of wind caused a corner to be captured once again. Gone is the freedom. Gone is the liberty of movement. The more the struggle the more it is captured. The flag had enjoyed three days of movement. Doing what it was created to do. Looking more beautiful because of fulfillment of purpose. Then ugly thorns reached out and captured!

You can be sure of this: If you are on a divine mission - if you are called to do a work for the Lord and are busy doing that work, trusting in Jesus - thorns will work against you. It's all meant to be a distraction. You've got to continue on!

You have to understand - the reason the enemy comes against your prayer life, your consecration to God, your walk with Him, isn't just to bring you down. He also wants to ruin the ministry God has given you. He wants to destroy anything you're doing that brings glory to God! God promises that you will not stay trapped! Let me paint the picture for you.

All you have to know is that God's on your side. He's not mad at you for falling against the thorns. He is not against you. No - He hears your cry! Not even a sparrow falls to the ground without His knowing about it!

In Psalms 91 we read ... "Because He has set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he knows My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him"

Rest assured, God will deliver you! He is on your side. Just be still and see His salvation. He promises to come!

I continued watching that flag and saw gentle breezes nudging the flag free from the thorns. As I have been writing, the flag is once again flying freely. God will send help in times of need. One of my most favorite verses puts it this way: "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” The flag didn't free itself, it had become still because of the thorns, freedom came because of that stillness.

Whatever thorns have attacked you today - be still - God Himself is fighting for you. He always wins !!! -VJS