Reporting For Duty

I have been feeling like a “placeholder,” Lord.  Not in general… but in one particular, priceless arena.

I was asked to step into a space that was supposed to be held by another.  Another who had stepped away unexpectedly, for one or a million reasons.  Another who was supposed to step back in… but who hasn’t, yet.

It wasn’t until this morning that I realized a profound Truth:  In Your Kingdom, we are never “just” placeholders… are we, Lord?

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”  (Ephesians 2:10)

We are at war, and the dynamics of war are never at a standstill.  Even on the spiritual battlefield, soldiers step out of position for many reasons… each of which has dramatic consequences.  Some are taken out — killed in action, literally, even after fighting well.  Some flee in fear when the heat of battle intensifies.  Some desert, even collaborating with the enemy (perhaps knowingly, perhaps unwittingly).

Whatever the reason for their departure, soldiers out of position leave a hole.  Others are depending on them.  The fighting unit is weakened.  The enemy knows it.  The hole must be filled, with more than a mere placeholder.  With You, Lord, first and foremost.  AND with Your servant leaders — You, with skin on.

Lives are at stake.

As I look on the world scene, I see the velocity and intensity of the enemy’s activities increasing.  One of his favorite schemes is to come against Your people with the hope of dividing us.  Petty jealousies and minor offenses become moats and fortress walls.  Now more than ever, we need to be loving each other as You have loved us; repenting and forgiving each other; contending for (not against) each other; going out of our way to unite with each other instead of going our own way in isolation.

“I have given them the glory that You gave Me, that they may be one as We are One — I in them and You in Me — so that they may be brought to complete unity.  Then the world will know that You sent Me and have loved them even as You have loved Me.”  (John 17:22-23)

I’m ready for more than just “place holding,” Lord.  I’m not willing to stand by and watch the enemy gloat, believing he has won. Soon, I will be transferred to a different (and distant) battlefront.  This local unit needs leadership.  My heart cries, “Help us, Lord!”… even as I know You already have the solution in hand.

“The wicked lie in wait for the righteous, intent on putting them to death; but the Lord will not leave them in the power of the wicked or let them be condemned when brought to trial.  Hope in the Lord and keep His way.  He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are destroyed, you will see it.”  (Psalm 37:32-34)

Your princess warrior, reporting for duty…

Abba’s Girl