Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Dusting off Destiny

I saw her appear out of nowhere. There was something about her. She was a stranger, yet surprisingly familiar. The Lord’s presence drew near and time slowed as He asked me, What do you see?

I saw a simple woman—plain at that. She stood barefoot, dressed in a tank top and jeans. Her hair was unkempt and except for the smudge of mascara under her eyes she wore no make-up. She appeared to be an average woman—ordinary.

The Lord prodded for more. What do you see? I focused intensely for a few moments. Looking past her plain face I saw vulnerability. She exuded courage.

The Lord touched my heart. Once again He asked, What do you see? I felt the eyes of my heart awakening. I could now see a divine purpose deposited into her very soul. I could see her destiny.

The Lord poured His own sight into mine. What do you see? My spirit agonized at the sight. I saw hearts sinking, dying as the enemy pushed them down into a muddy pit. I saw chaos break out as hearts were captured. “Lord, this is too much. Take your sight away from me.”

Look again. This time I saw her—eyes bright and focused. There was something rising up within her.

The Lord’s sight stayed within me. This ordinary woman now radiated great power and strength. With a sword in her grip she courageously and skillfully slays the enemy one by one. As the enemy’s camp lay bloodied and defeated at her feet, hearts lifted to freedom—to victory.

In a blink of an eye she was gone. “Lord, where did she go?” I could not deny I was drawn to this stranger. Such extraordinary boldness welled up in me as I watched her fight. And I knew in my spirit there were more hearts to set free. “Will she be back, Lord?”

It’s up to you, Dear One.

“Lord?”

Beloved, she is who you are to be.

“Lord, I don’t...”

Beloved, the woman is you. It is you whom I have destined to set captives free.

Everything made sense now. The Lord allowed me to watch my own destiny. I saw what I could be if only…if only I believed…

 I trust you, Beloved. Now trust Me. It’s time. I have given you everything you need for the battle. Take your sword out of its sheath—be the warrior I have called you to be.

His gaze turned to my sword sitting dormant in the corner. Retrieving it I blew off the layers of dust. Slowly I freed the weapon from its sheath. The echo of the metal scrapping the casing took my breath away. The sound released new authority deep within. Standing with unwavering confidence I caught my reflection in the unused blade. It was her—she was pleading me to lift my sword, to enter the battle, to set the captives free.

Looking up my eyes met with my Lord’s. I felt power and strength rising from His adoration and approval. It was time.

Beloved, this is your destiny. I will be with you—always. Now go, many hearts are waiting to be set free.


What has God called you to?
There’s a world waiting for you to walk in your destiny…


Reflective Scripture

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for He has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free. Luke 4:18

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11


Relevant Worship

Where You Go I Go by Kim Walker-Smith/Jesus Culture
 

11 comments:

  1. Amen! How timely is the word that God gave you, and what an encouragement to me too! God has called me to declare His freedom and destiny over women's lives. He has birthed in me "The Other Woman Ministries" and two weeks ago He gave me a very vivid dream showing me that now is the time for the birthing/delivery of this ministry. Together we declare war on the enemy and together we surrender to God's plan to set the captives free! Thank you once again Laura for your vulnerability!

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  2. Beautifully written and encouraging.

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  3. Love it Laura!
    My destiny - is to love and to love well just as Jesus did.
    To cultivate a culture of Honor in all that I do, and to go through the gates, preparing the way for the people, building up the highway and removing the stones, lifting up a banner over the peoples. "HIS PEOPLES!" Isaiah 62:10

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  4. @passion4him I am so excited for you and all that God is doing through you. Great things are coming! I pray a courageous spirit from God to touch you as you step out in your destiny and change the lives of women.

    @Lesley I have already witnessed and experienced for myself the way you love like Jesus. Thanks for walking in your destiny to change the world.

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  5. Oh wow.. Beautifully written.. Rocked me. Thanks for the inspiration.

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  6. Thank you for sharing. Most recently, I have felt a calling to homeschool my 2 kids and also to enrich others lives through my Arbonne business.

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  7. He has called me to love and serve Him and anything else is just the journey...

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  8. @Anonymous above this post:
    To love and serve our Lord is the greatest honor we could ever have.

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  9. Beautiful... my destiny is starting to come into focus and feel real. No wonder evil is trying to stop my every move... because if I am in God's will and totally into His plan... I'm a dangerous girl with a mighty sword!

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  10. @sherrymeneley.com
    AMEN! Rise up and lift your sword, Girl!

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