Set Your Face Like Flint

Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame. - Isaiah 50:7

I woke up from a dream this morning and this verse was racing through my mind.

In my dream I was pushing a huge load up a hill. (Thank God for dolly's). The weight of the load was so heavy that I had to make several attempts up the hill. As I would push, the winds were so strong, that I could not seem to get the load to level ground. Each time I would attempt to take another step, it was as if I was being pushed down the hill. The wind that was blowing against me was very strong. It was as if a storm was brewing in the near distance. Despite the strong winds, I continued to make several attempts and after many, I made it to the top of the hill. When I looked up at the load I had been pushing, the only thing I saw was a cross.

Immediately I woke up and all I could hear was the verse from Isaiah 50:7. I can't get it out of my mind even at this very minute.

For the past several weeks, God has been doing a lot of things in my personal life - It hasn't been easy. At times I have wanted to retreat! When God gets down to business, sometimes we want to run. I may not feel I have the strength to take another step, but He is calling...We must keep our eyes fixed on Him! Hebrews 12:1-3 says, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." My load is heavy, but my Father knows how to carry a load! I may not have the strength on my own to get this load up the hill, but He is standing before me... Not only is He standing before me, He is walking beside me. He tells us to lay the load at His feet - How simple, but how difficult we make it!

To set your face like flint means to have determination. If we want to be overcomers through Christ, we must set our face like flint. He alone will help us through every situation. Though the wind may blow in like a storm at times, making it difficult to stand, we will be victorious as we continue towards Him. Never take your eyes off the prize, not even for a moment - it's in those places when we lose sight and we feel it easiest to retreat. If you must stop to for a moment to catch your breath, then do so; but, never take your eyes off Him, even for a moment. Then, get up and press in again. Don't give up! Never, Never, Never give up! God will do his part! He will provide wisdom, strength, power and love for each new day!

You are a champion in Christ Jesus so be determined to act like a champion.

Embrace whatever God is doing in your life...If He's bringing winds of change, let go of the old ways and embrace a new thing! He has that way of refining us. While it may be difficult to endure the heat, He is creating something beautiful! Set your face like flint to the wind! Be determined, and let nothing stop you from getting to your prize!

Yes, the winds are blowing - Winds of change, winds of refining, winds of revival - Don't turn your back, embrace them.. Even when you don't understand, trust Him!

Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

May we have the courage to lean into the wind and press forward in to the great things that He is doing!