Strength

In the book of 1Corinthians it says "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth  take heed, (and Stand,) lest he fall." In the age that we live in I find more and more everyday that we are becoming a society of cowards. Men and women without morals or standards of conduct With our faulty characters we are unable to remain steadfast in truth; and eventually fall prey to peer pressure. Even cowards have courage in large numbers. Only a noble heart can stand alone, and be unmoved. Everyday one will hear of a man void of character demanding of a man of high morals: " Why do you need to be so different, why won't you do "such and such" .... Don't you have a mind of our own?" Is it really small mindedness that calls us to be the different and to stand out in the crowd.?...  Au contrair!!! If we would consider the situation it is obvious whom is the individual, and who the conformist is. Our generation has an intense need to please, but not the audience that really matters. We are slaves to the opinion of others, as well as to society's fashion, and the idols we have made of our clothing. In my opinion the #1 tip of style is Difference (that is what makes it your own personal style ;0)
But standards alone are not enough if they are not accompanied by conviction. We can all say "well, I just don't think I can, or need to bring God in to that area of my life"... but are we talking about "the life" that he gave us?!?! How can we ask him to bless us in all aspects of life if we don't include him in every one? As believers we should be Lights in every avenue, letting our actions and presence be our testimonies in season and out of season. A dear old friend  once told me that "Every so often YHWH sends us small trials to let us know we are still on the path". When people see no difference between us and the world, when life is easy and you are accepted as who you are then it's time to look around examine your lifestyle and walk. I am not saying you can't get along with a worldly crowd, fit right in and still be a servant of the Almighty. However, I want more, Look at Abraham, Moses and Job. What did they all have in common? They ALL stood alone. Abraham "came out from among his people", Moses rather than live in the pharaoh's palace, chose to suffer with the people of YHWH,  Job lost everything and remained faithful. Do want to know some thing else they had in common; They were the friends of YHWH, He calls them his friends!!  You will be a servant of God if you commit your life to His service, but, you could be his friend!! They all paid a price for the prize that was priceless. And the best part is that there was never a second thought; they made up their minds and never looked back. Courage is not being fearless, it is the will to act in the face of fear. Strength doesn't mean it will be effortless, but enduring the pressure and overcoming the force.
We may cheer for the man of success and wealth, but we admire and esteem the one that will deny both to embrace honor.
Deuteronomy 7:7 says "YHWH did not set his love upon you, nor choose you because you were great in number. for ye were the fewest of all people"......But because YHWH loved you.

How can we say we are "set apart" if we lack the Strength to appear weak, and the Courage to be different. In our weakness YHWH is proven strong, and in our difference he will be glorified.

-Living today as though it were my last  ~Hana