I will not be shaken. No matter how bad things get, and they probably will, I will not turn from God’s light.
No matter how troubling the world become around me and in spite of the inducement to give in to temptation, I will not be broken.
Weakened by a recent physical challenge, I find myself humbled by the fragility of my body. Last week, I was diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy, a condition involving facial paralysis. To make a long story short, due to nerve damage, I can no longer control or feel the right side of my face. I can’t blink my right eye, frown or smile with my right cheek. I drool when drinking, and almost lost my sense of taste.
Still, I will not lose focus on what’s important. I will not be shaken.
To glorify God, to worship the true King of Kings, to even be allowed such endearing grace is what my life is now about. To serve His will, to fulfill His mission for my life, to know He has a place for me in Heaven is enough motivation for me to continue my walk down the narrow path.
“Under the test of this service, you will glorify God by your obedience in acknowledging the gospel of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 9:13)
This physical challenge has helped me realize how blessed I truly am. I get to write a message of Faith from the comfort of my home in the majestic state of Florida. Sitting in front of the computer while my ten month old daughter enjoys tasty goldfish crackers with mommy, I often feel the luxury that surrounds us is actually choking the life from us, preventing Elizabeth and I from fulfilling our mission.
Unlike the apostle Paul who was chained to a centurion guard when he wrote Philippians, one of the bible’s most compelling books, I am blessed with comfort beyond Christian logic. I can’t help but ask myself “Are we among millions of Christians caught in the rat race? Do we, like many spend too much time working toward financial gain rather than to glorify God?” Let’s find out…
I am lucky to lead this ministry which is clearly aimed at God’s glory. I also own a purpose driven web production business called Acme Design and only deal with God fearing clients. I am an established photographer doing business in the greater Tampa Bay region under the name Christian Photographer with an eye for God’s gifts to and from man shooting event, stock and commercial photographs. Finally, I am a writer/producer who’s trying to get through to people using my unique creative style, a sometimes dazzling God given talent. Basically, I serve God through my work.
My wife Elizabeth is an important part of this ministry. However, a full time professional commitment has her convinced she’s falling short of God’s glory. Her feeling “caged” in a fitness center four and a half days a week, she is convinced God has left her out to dry. Until recently, she could not see how fulfilling each relationship could have been or, could be if she chose to glorify God.
Touching hundreds of people on a personal level for over three years, Lizzy failed to recognize the great gift she had been commanded to pass along each member she trained. She was content helping them on a superficial level but forgot her true mission, to witness to all those who would listen, to “talk the talk and walk the walk”.
Elizabeth is not your average gorgeous tall blonde with a great body but most people would not know by looking at her. She’s much more than a fast talking fitness specialist but most might miss it. Elizabeth, my wife is the most phenomenal woman I have ever met. She is an honest, generous, caring, loving woman of Faith and I simply adore her. With all that God has given her, how could she miss the boat and stray from God’s path for her life? How could anyone?
God gives us the choice and it is truly up to us to keep walking the narrow path or get distracted and forget our mission, our duty.
“Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy, that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.” (Matthew 7:13)
No matter what we do for a living, God commands us to do it with glory. The bible reads “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31) If you can’t honor and glorify the Lord through your work then you need to find another job for the Lord hates the hypocrites who gather in His house on Sundays then trash Him on weekdays. Salvation will not come to those who betray God in this manner.
Stepping off the righteous road is a choice. Stepping back on the path to His Kingdom is also a choice, one our Lord much rejoices in. No matter what you do, you are given the chance to make it right by and for God.
Don’t hesitate or hold back. Don’t fear or stutter. Do not be shaken for the Lord shines from within us and through us His will be done.
Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives
For inspiring us to be the best we can be
Touching others positively each and every day
And spreading the good word to all those around us.
Lord we pray you will continue to look after us,
After our families, our friends and loved ones
And answer the prayers of those who seek peace
Like only you can.
Father we pray for your strength and for your wisdom
And ask that you strengthen us in all that we do,
So we can glorify you with each breath
And fulfill your mission for our lives.
God we love you and thank you for all that surrounds us!
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
