Bulldog Faith, Taking
You From The Bottom To The Top.
The ark
rose in the flood. It was sitting on bottom ground; the bottom of the valley
where it never rained. At the end of the trial, it rested on the top of a
mountain. This is what God wants to do in your life. He wants to take you
safely from the bottom to the top; from despair to joy, from poverty to riches,
from loneliness to fullness, from brokenness to health.
God uses
water a lot in His Word. In fact (although I haven’t counted it myself) water
is said to be mentioned 722 times in the bible: God swept over the face of the
waters. Let anyone who is thirsty come and drink the living water. Baptism in water. Water of
life. Rivers of water. Shower of blessings. Rain in its season.
Water flows
throughout the Word of God. Water is rich in usefulness. It cleanses and
purifies. It can destroy enemies, has the power to heal and provides deliverance.
Storms
bring a lot of water. The storms of God, cause growth in His people. We may not
like or want the storm, but if we remain close to God, the storm will bring a
deeper revelation, a closer walk with the Father. The Father wants that close
relationship between you and Him. He had a close relationship with Noah and
Noah’s family were the only family spared during the great flood of the bible.
Noah was
told to build an ark, to prepare for a flood; an ark in a desert country, a
country that never saw rain. Noah and his family were cocooned in the ark,
during the storm. The bible doesn’t say how Noah and his family felt, while
they went through the storm. It doesn’t say how they felt, when they heard the
knocking, scratching and screaming of those desperate to enter the ark, as the
flood waters arose. It doesn’t mention how busy Noah and his family were, as
they tendered the animals.
However, when
the ground had dried God spoke to Noah, saying; “Go out of the ark, you and
your wife, and your sons and your son’s wives with you.” (Genesis 8:15-16) And
they left the cocoon of the ark.
Attitude is
developed during cocoon time. As is leadership, character, patience, and
integrity. These will all be worked on, during your closet time, during your
time in your cocoon.
Stay with
it. One day the door will open and God will say; “come out,” if we don’t quit.
God brings greatness and beauty, out of a cocoon. The cocoon is there for
protection. God protects you, even though your uncomfortable and tight, even if
you’re stressed and anxious. He cocoons you and keeps you safe and sheltered.
Even if
you’re wondering ‘how long.’ How long until I receive…? How long until it
happens? How long do I need to have patience? All the while, He’s protecting
you in the cocoon.
You aren’t
in the cocoon for comfort. In the fullness of time, you will see your reward.
In the meantime, wait. Wait patiently, wait with joy for what’s coming. You
will see it, if you don’t quit. If it takes 20 years, just wait. Wait with
‘bulldog’ faith in your heart and you will see a new thing arise in your life.
Have you
ever seen a bulldog? They march along and don’t let anything veer them off
course. A yappy dog might come along and harass the bulldog, but the bulldog
marches along as if it’s not there. The bulldog doesn’t even mis-step. He
ploughs along, completely undeterred by what’s going on around him. He has a
one-track mind, to get where he’s going. That’s what you need to do; plough
along with a one-track mind, undeterred, until you see your breakthrough.
You grow in
affliction. You grow through the storms of life. You think because you’re a
Christian, you won’t have any more problems in life. That’s not what the bible states.
The bible says; “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have
peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have
overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
God will
talk to you, throughout the process of both the storm and the cocoon. God
encourages you, during your difficult moments, as well as your quiet moments. He
will give you direction, if you spend time with Him.
We wear the
crown of victory, given to us by Jesus, given to us by He who sacrificed
himself that we might have life and have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)
There’s no
such thing as luck, or fate. Everything is done by faith and the Word of the
Lord. Your faith needs to be directed towards the right area, pointed in the
right direction, the right way. Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth and the
life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6) There is no
other way!
Faith in
the Lord isn’t about air-fairy light, strange rituals, or magical formulas.
It’s not about a belief in mother earth, or contact with the ‘other side.’
Faith in God is an awe filled faith, a power filled faith. A faith which heals,
provides, protects and loves and that’s just for starters.
Follow your
faith journey to the end and see how far it takes you. You will be amazed. His
Word is Truth, all truth, but you won’t see it, if you’re on the wrong path.
Take your
bulldog faith and use it in the belief of God and His Word, for that is where
your answers lie, the answers you are searching for in life.
N.B.: Biblical quotes taken from NJKV
Alexandra Grose - A photojournalist and author for over
twenty years. Writing is her passion and her dream and helping others achieve
their dreams, through her written work, is Alexandra's greatest aspiration.
#Integrity; truthfulness, honesty and reliability, in all
things.
I believe one should....be truthful in everything you say
and do. Keep all relationships open and honest. Be reliable, punctual and
organised and if you say you'll do it - do it.
If you want to soar like an eagle, make an effort, not an
excuse.