The white flag has been used for centuries as a sign of surrenderance. The use of the white flag usually comes when one has cast away the hope of victory. The result is a person or unit who has surrendered themselves to the fight only to become a prisoner of war.
For many of you today, you may be flying your white flag at half-staff. Some of you are a poorly performed balancing act on the line of life and death. You're only one decision away from being a victor or a victim.
Most of us end up at these line in the sand places out of extreme hurt and disappointment. Plans fail, people fail, life fails, and we think God failed. So in the midst of confusion, pain, and weakness, we begin to raise our white flag toward surrenderance.
I know what it's like to be suited in that uniform. I know what it's like to wake up only to feel as though today is only going to bring one more battle wound needing to be dressed and medicated. I know what it is to lay down the weapons, lower your guard, grip the white flag, and begin its ascent to the top of the pole. However, I know what it is to have unexplainable strength, drive, and life poured into me so that the flag never goes past half-staff.
6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 10And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
1 Peter 5:6-7,10
Just like you, I've stood with the line drawn thinking life was over and victory had been cast away like yesterdays newspaper. But I can tell you from experience that victory is ahead if you'll take some wisdom from God's word.
1. Be Humble. Being humble is destroying my independence. It is becoming submissive. It is unpretending. God I'm not going to pretend that I'm ok, I'm not going to pretend I've got it all figured out and that I can do it all on my own. I'm going to humble myself in submission to you. After the instruction to humble ourselves (if we get that right) we are told that the result is Gods ability to lift us up in "due time," aka, the right or perfect time.
2. He Cares. God is not a jerk. He's not a sissy ignoring the problem. Notice the scripture says to humble ourselves under His "mighty hand." God cares for you enough to let you fight the tough battles so that victory brings His full potential for your life. Just because you suffer doesn't mean He don't care.
3. Restoration Comes. My favorite part in the whole process! God will restore you beyond who you were to begin with. You will be stronger, firmer, and steadfast. Just remember that you'll have to be humble and suffer for a season to get there!
I can tell you from experience that it works, and its worth it! There is hope. There is life after this. It could just be that God is removing the "good" in your life, to make room for the "best." Don't hold onto it so tight. God is not going to drop it. Let Him have it and watch what He does. You will be amazed.
I refuse to be a prisoner or casualty to war. I'm lowering the white flag and I'm going to suit up tomorrow and fight another day. I ask you to continue in the battle with me. Don't lose hope, God's best may just be around the corner. I'm glad I didn't give up. I'm glad I didn't quit. I've lost some things along the way, but nothing compares to what I've gained!
"It is impossible to win the race unless you venture to run, impossible to win the victory unless you dare to battle." Richard M. DeVos
Brandon
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