Disruptive CompassionSample

Do Your Homework

Every great movie has a protagonist and an antagonist — an enemy. Well, believe it or not, our lives are no different. We have an opposition. Just read what 1 Peter 5:8 (MSG) has to say in its warning to us: “Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping.”

We can’t identify our enemies or properly mount a defense if we don’t do our homework. So ask yourself, aside from the major “enemy” discussed above, what other opposition do you face? What else tends to trip you up or get in your way? Is it fear? Insecurity? Doubt? 

Once you’ve identified your enemies, recognize what you have in your hands to fight them. You likely have more resources at your disposal than you even realize: a strong voice, passion, friendships, finances and more. 

Don't forget — the tools you possess may look different than your neighbor’s or others in your circle of friends. That’s no accident. It’s by design. And even though our gifts and talents may be different, we remain connected because we’re made by and serve the same God. 

Remember Moses? He didn't believe he had what it took to do what God was asking. Yet even with his apparent inabilities, God used him to do great things. For more on that story, read Exodus 3 and 4. 

Don’t be discouraged. Study up on your enemy, and take a long look in the mirror at all God has equipped you with. It’s probably worth more than you’ve realized.