A Word About Loyalty—

Dictionary dot com defines loyal as this--

4. characterized by or showing faithfulness to commitments, vows, allegiance, obligations, etc.: loyal conduct.

Loyalty is not something you arrive at, loyal is something you are. Loyalty doesn’t birth in a trial, the presence of loyalty manifests within the trial because it was already there, prepared and ready.

“Lord, the God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Israel, keep these desires and thoughts in the hearts of your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to you.”

1 Chron. 29:18

Loyalty to Heaven is not confined to outcomes, but the stoic reminder that we know where we have come from.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were loyal and God showed up and delivered them from the fire.

But sometimes it doesn't turn out this way. Sometimes God delivers us through the fire and we become purified in the process, refined. But what about when we are loyal and deliverance eludes us?

Great heroes of the faith such as John Hus who in 1401 was striped naked and executed for preaching the gospel. He was commanded to quiet his voice, but he refused. Not only did he lose his life, he was abused and shamed just prior.

When I was in Israel a week or more ago we finished our trip at the Holocaust Museum. Story boards and videos covered the walls of countless halls. Too much content to absorb it all--but one story really pierced me.

As Jewish women were executed they were told to line up in a man made hill, shot, then their dead or dying bodies would fall backward into a huge trench already being filled with the bodies of those who were shot before. Piles and piles of human flesh--piles. It nauseated me to think of the brutal murders of innocent people, but what takes it to a new level of disgust for me is how the people were tortured and shamed. If you've ever remotely been through any kind of public or personal shaming you understand how emotionally abusive it is. But to be shamed to the level they were for just being themselves hurts my heart like little else. These women, just prior to being shot were instructed to strip down to their underwear. Then they had to walk across a field to the location of their execution. Once arriving they were told to line up, take off the remainder of their clothes and stand naked waiting to be shot to death.

Sometimes God doesn't deliver through the fire. Sometimes He delivers into Eternity.

And sometimes the end result is a Lake of Fire for all eternity if you have never met the Holy Savior your Sovereign Creator or accepted His priceless gift of friendship.

If this is you...

If you are going through a fiery trial so hot you can barely move...

If the flames of affliction lap so hard at your face you are having a hard time even looking up...

If you do not know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior...

This post is for you.

I speak with authority as one who has been to hell and back multiple times over. I know the heat of the fire. I know what it is to endure a plethora of fires that one day I may record, but for now my memory is where to hold.

Even now I can barely breath because of a trial I must endure quietly. And in the midst--I wonder where my God is. No matter how my trial will unfold I know I am loved by a God above who isn't finished with me and will use the territory I have collected in this journey to rescue others as He rescues me.

Do not lose faith.

Do not lose Hope.

Do not give up.

Your trials may feel very hard, but remind yourself, Beloved--the Holocaust was hard, how does that look in comparison to your trial?

Be Encouraged:

You...are...Loved.

You are not alone.

God has blessed you with a sharp mind and a heart that beats pure gold.

You have what it takes.

Remarkable is all that is within you to do.

You’re trials are not in vein conceit. They have merit and purpose to bring God glory. What an honor to suffer for Him.

Surround yourself with people who know a little something about tried and true loyalty just as God surrounds Himself around YOU. I am praying right now, Beloved, that you might receive a break through in the fire.

~Nicole