UNDEFEATED-MAN OF VALOR 013
There’s something about watching your son carry a burden he didn’t ask for that punches the air out of your lungs. This week I was in two worlds: job sites and infusion chairs. Trying to keep a foot in both realities — one in the world that keeps-a- spinnin’, and one that has come to a screeching halt.
It’s not unique, either. Every single one of us has faced this reality at some point in our lives, in one way or another - feel free to name it here - it's helps in a big way!
As I worked away, I kept looking at the wristband to try and stay connected to his fight – UNDEFEATED - the one Logan designed the first time around. On the inside: P413 — Philippians 4:13. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
A quiet reminder that strength isn’t in muscle or morale — it’s in trust.
_______________________________
That same kind of trust shows up in the story of Gideon.
He didn’t look like a warrior and didn’t act like one either. He was hiding - just trying to survive. But get this - God calls him “MIGHTY MAN OF VALOR.” Gideon didn’t believe it - he listed his lowly family tree, his failures, his limitations. God doesn’t argue, though, He simply says: “But I will be with you.”
THAT’S THE GAME CHANGER
We don’t become UNDEFEATED because we never lose. We become UNDEFEATED because we NEVER QUIT. Because we believe that what GOD SAYS ABOUT US is more true than what OUR FEAR SAYS. Gideon had to walk that out, and if we are honest with ourselves, so do we.
Right now, Logan’s walking small laps around the nurses’ station(a ½ mile at a time), planning next semester at AHC, thinking about work at the Wash n’ Lube when he gets out. He’s got this spirit in him - QUIET, DETERMINED, TRUSTING. He’s carrying the load, uphill, while all we can do is watch - not out of weakness, but out necessity.
As fathers, brothers, husbands, and sons - we can’t always take the weight off the ones we love. But we can remember who we are and who God is, and we can keep showing up in love, in faith, and in service.
_______________________________
Questions for the Workbench this Weekend:
• Where have I been defining myself by my weaknesses instead of God’s promises?
• Who in my life needs me to see them — not just for where they are, but for who they’re becoming?
• Am I willing to believe that God will be with me even if the odds are stacked against me?
_______________________________
Take some time to(after dinner if perfect, even if the object at first):
Sit with your family, or a friend, and do this simple but powerful thing:
Tell each person one thing you see in them that they may not see in themselves. Call out a strength. Speak life. Be the voice that says “Mighty Man (or Woman) of Valor” when they least expect it.
You never know when those words might be the wristband they carry through the next fight.
Formed to Serve. Still standing. Still undefeated.
Join the brotherhood - Like the post, share the page, comment about the real work you've got to do this weekend!