#Stand: Undeterrred

By: Kolleen Lucariello

Happy New Year, sweet friends. As we look back to 2024, I am so grateful for everything God taught us throughout our theme of #Arise. I was especially impacted by last month's focus on Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, and his ability to allow God’s instruction to bring disruption into his life. The Lord has convinced me that He's ready for me (so that means us) to become aware of habits, values and perspectives reflective of the nature of the here and now, but that no longer serve or fit our kingdom identity. If we become intentional to manage the tension of a disruption we will be better equipped to #Stand rather than crumble when we are tested by them.

Our time spent with Paul on the ship taught us much about our ability to persevere through the storms we encounter if we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Paul recognized his identity was no longer in his old nature, but in Christ. This gave him the ability to #Stand:Undeterred regardless of the opposition or troubles bombarding him. I gained such respect for Paul's ability to press forward regardless of criticisms, discouragement, or the problems his passion for sharing the good news of Jesus created in his life.

The story of Paul's life is one of unwavering resolve to fulfill his calling; this is what underscored his outlook and helped him to see setbacks not as deterrents but as opportunities to press on his his mission and purpose. When we are tempted to think we are alone in our suffering we should note, Paul had a few bad days, too.

"Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked" (2 Corinthians 11:24-28, NIV). He didn't even mention the viper bite he endured when he was shipwrecked on the Island of Malta. Nothing deterred Paul.

I am sad to say, if his experiences had been mine, chances are good I would have falsely assumed God was against me, rather than for me. I would have allowed the enemy to torment me with accusations directed towards God for failing me, not loving me, or protecting me. I've made these assumptions for far less. What assumptions have you made about God—or others—when life takes a disruptive, unexpected turn? Assumption can be disruptive but it can also be destructive. And occupying our place in our kingdom identity requires that we be mindful of the assumptions we make—about God and others.

This was Paul's lived experience. Once a Pharisee, many assumed he had lost his mind after his conversion to Christ, while others assumed it was impossible for him to change from who he once was. The people on the island of Malta falsely assumed he was a murderer reaping his just reward when they saw a viper latch onto his hand as he prepared the fire. When he didn't die they assumed he was a god. People assume too much. I know because I am a people and I am guilty of assumption. And I have discovered assumption interrupts rightful occupation.

We assume people should know when our comments that pierce the heart were "just a joke." We assume it's the responsibility of others to "get over" the bad behaviour and constant criticism of others. We assume "that's" someone else's responsibility. A quick glance and an assumption is made based on how someone dresses, or wears their hair. We interpret gestures and facial expressions and then conceive an assumption. My granddaughter assumes a tired Mimi is a mad Mimi. (I'm working on that!) We assume people don't care if they don't respond accordingly. We also assume everyone should think like us. And like some in Paul's circle, we can assume someone is too far gone, too messed up, or too broken for Jesus to mend and restore.

When the people of Malta made assumptions about Paul when the poisonous snake latched onto him, Luke says he "shook off the snake into the fire and was unharmed" (Acts 28:5, NLT). What didn't he do? Hold a grudge against them for what they assumed about him. Oh, ouch. This is another lesson Paul taught me. He shook the snake off; no harm done. When your eyes are on Jesus it doesn't matter what people assume about you, shake it off and don't allow the sting of the offense to harm you. When you know who you are in Christ, you are able to love others and continue on in your purpose regardless of circumstance or becoming offended by their assumptions.

You want to know another amazing thing about Paul's time on Malta? As Paul lived among the people for three months, he ministered to their needs, healed them and shared the gospel. Because he had lived so graciously among the people, when it was time to go, they gave them all the supplies they needed for the trip to Rome. Paul wasn't a murderer or a god, he was a man who lived to serve others in the way Jesus did.

Paul was faithful to God regardless of his situation because his mindset was to be faithful in every circumstance. Our mindset is connected to our resilience and our ability to #Stand:

Undeterred, through adverse situations. Offense being one of them. Have you allowed the sting of offense to narrate false assumptions about yourself or others? It is so easy to do, isn't it? Rather than shake it off and continue serving others wholeheartedly we hold onto an offense and allow it to create distance. Rather than assume the position of outrage, can we view challenges as meaningful and even valuable parts of our journey, rather than obstacles to our mission? Instead of holding onto an offense can we serve others regardless of how they view us or the assumptions they make about us?

Perhaps 2025 will be the year the body of Christ discovers the freedom from offense. Let's be women who #Stand:Undeterred; no longer discouraged through offense or prevented from acting because of assumption. This is how Jesus lived. Let's allow Christ to set our hearts free!

With much love,

Kolleen