Show Up

Let the weakling say, “I am strong!”

                        Joel 3.10

The Valley of Decision

Times were tough for Israel. They’d been repeatedly attacked, taken hostage, and sold into slavery. Everything was stolen from them—including their identity and pride as a people. But they invested faith in something their adversaries didn’t know and it would only be a matter of time before their Maker called them to come together. They would reclaim their birthright. And He would restore their inheritance.

In natural terms, they were in no condition to reassert themselves. They were spread throughout the world. They had no means of self-defense. Their morale and confidence was sapped from decades of oppression. Yet through His prophet, Joel, God summoned them to assemble in the valley of decision. There He would display His power and prove His love for His people, whom the world despised and rejected.

His Battle—Not Ours

So what did Israel know that their enemies didn’t? Although God called them to rise up in arms, He would win the fight for them. He’d done it before, when a little guy named David bravely stood up to the overpowering giant, Goliath. Just before running to meet his opponent, David proclaimed:

All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands. (1 Samuel 17.47)

We know what happened next. Goliath and the multitude behind him didn’t know what hit him. But David had every confidence that God would triumph on his behalf.

Often our opposition is overwhelming. They outnumber us. They’re better armed and more firmly positioned. None of that matters because it’s not our battle to fight. All God asks is that we show up. When we do, He takes over from there.

We’re Everywhere--and Nowhere

Still, it takes enormous courage to do even that. Like Israel, we GLBT believers have experienced tough times. We’ve been ostracized and oppressed, denied of our identity, and stripped of our dignity. Often we feel powerless and abandoned. Like Israel, we’ve been isolated to the corners of the earth; we’re everywhere--and nowhere. 

Right now, God is calling us to come together. Our days of weakness are over. The moment comes to speak strength to our hearts and minds. It’s time we unite in prayer and determination for one another—and our adversaries. They’re looking to fight, but we’re looking to God. If we show up, He’ll show out.

Size doesn't matter when God fights for His people.