eyes on the prize

Psalm 123:1, "I lift up my eyes to You, to You whose throne is in Heaven."

As the Israelites made their pilgrimage, they faced ridicule and mocking from their neighbors about the God the worshipped.  In the midst of their trial, they looked to God to give them the grace they needed as they trusted solely in Yahweh to provide and protect.  

I know there are many men who have stood against the grain and held to Truth for what is right.  For whatever reason, William Wilberforce jumped into my mind as he relentlessly stood before the British Parliament to put an end to slave trade.  He did not relent, he looked to God and victory was won and God was glorified.  

In our own lives, we will face ridicule and mocking...for all sorts of reasons.  Sometimes it helps to look to those who have gone before...whoever that may be for you.

I also thought about times when I've said, "You may have won the battle, but did you win the war?"  So many times, when we are mocked or ridiculed, it is not worth it to even engage with others who are just being satan's little minions or just not thinking.  When you engage in verbal warfare, you may walk away having won the battle, but you may have lost your testimony with them when they look at your behavior and it isn't salt or light in their world, but more of a reflection of the world they are living in.  

There is a Guide though.  There is Truth to look to.  Keep focused on God.  He is mightier than the sword and already has the victory.  Lift your eyes to Him.