On the way to your destiny, there will be Goliaths, but if you’re distracted arguing over things that don’t matter, you’re not going to be able to defeat your Goliaths. You may not even see them. You have to pass the test of biting your tongue, walking away when you feel like telling somebody off, overlooking an offense. The Scripture says, “One can chase a thousand; two can put ten thousand to flight.”
Be inspired by this message from Joel, “Protect Your Peace”.
Jesus said, “Offenses will come.” He didn’t say they might come; He said they will come. You will have opportunities, on a regular basis, to get upset, to live bitter and offended, to argue and try to pay people back. But when you’re tempted to be offended (someone leaves you out, they say something derogatory), recognize that’s the enemy baiting you. He’s trying to deceive you into his trap. Next time that happens, instead of letting the same thing upset you, say, “No, thanks. I’m not taking the bait. I’m not falling into that trap. I’m going to enjoy this day.”
The Scripture says, “God has given you the power to remain calm in times of adversity.” Quit telling yourself, “I can’t help it; they just push my buttons.” You don’t have to let those things upset you. Try a new approach. Decide ahead of time that you’re going to stay in peace and you’ll tap into the power to remain calm.
If you’re going to reach your destiny, you have to get good at ignoring things. Ignore negative comments, ignore disrespect, ignore insults, ignore the naysayers. They don’t control your destiny. They are distractions trying to keep you from God’s best. Instead of being upset over who’s not for you and frustrated over who’s trying to make you look bad, ignore them. Jealous people can’t keep you from your destiny; small-minded people can’t stop your purpose. That’s not a battle you have to fight.
The Scripture says, “God has crowned you with favor.” That crown is symbolic. He could have said, “I’ve given you favor. I’ve put favor on you.” That would have been good, but He used the word crown to let us know we’re supposed to reign. God didn’t crown you to live defeated, burdened down by fear and addictions. You are crowned to defeat enemies, crowned to take your family to a new level, crowned to succeed, to excel, to leave your mark. Anything negative that’s been reigning over you—dysfunction, insecurity, people trying to pull you down—there’s about to be a shift, a change in authority. You’re about to reign over what’s been reigning over you.
