Fierce…and Purposeful
Are you a ‘fierce' Kingdom Influencer?
Taking a Kingdom is a lot more than taking an industry!
We are commanded to reclaim the Kingdom of God, that has been seized and to restore His Lordship! God’s Ambassadors are the the ones who are commanded to take back the Kingdom, and because it was taken in violence, we must reclaim it by the force of God’s power that transcends human capacities!
“The kingdom of God suffers violence and the violent take it by force!”
The Kingdom of God and of Heaven, was Jesus' main message. The world belongs to God, but Adam gave the right to be the ruler of it to Satan. Jehovah God, thru Jesus Christ restored it back to man with the “new birth.” Now, the Kingdom breaks in from heaven as Jesus announces, demonstrates, and teaches us how to live in this new reality.
The word declares that God’s Kingdom of God, within you, suffers violence…VIOLENCE!—by those who are hostile and oppose the kingdom with malicious intent, and dark forces!
But…the violently resolute and determined ones…those called to advance the Kingdom against any opposition—strong-willed ones-those who have the inner confidence and strength and a deep sense of calling to the work and to our God—those who have a strong moral conscience, who have a brave and unconquerable spirit that is impossible to subdue or defeat and have courage that was born out of a strong faith and a commitment to do the right things, even if no one else will—the FIERCE ones—must reclaim the possession of the Kingdom…even if by FORCE!
“Fierce” is a word oftentimes used by the business and entertainment world to mean those females who seem to be highly outspoken, is the epitome of femininity and fertility, portrays a curvy body, where her hips and breasts are well-defined and is coveted and attractive, whose face, when make-up is applied, is so powerful and amazing that it makes them look truly stunning; their hair is not sloppy, their outfit works, their body is fit, neat and clean, making their whole image work and is rocking it! Their nails are perfect and they are fixated on making money!
Wow! That’s powerful!…but that is not necessarily what God is talking about!! The “Fierce”—the violently resolute—the firm and determined ones—the ones who have God’s power and enablement to make real change, not only in their own world or sphere, but in every arena they set their feet upon!
You see we all have the potential to be fierce. (violently resolute) Recognize that it is essential for you to be fierce…God’s Way!
We are to stop ‘talking the talk’, and start ‘walking the walk’! Fierce people give more than 100% by being strong, talented and unique in every task they tackle.
The story of Esther (Book of Esther), is such a rich and intriguing one. It outlines Queen Vashti refusing to submit to the King’s request, and because of her choice to say no, she was dethroned as queen. Not much is considered as to why or how she could have said no to a King, but what if what He requested, (to parade in front of many of the King’s guests “in only her crown”), was going against her integrity? Due to her refusal, she lost her title, but she stood up as a violently resolute woman, a fierce one!
Subsequently, following this challenging situation, a national beauty pageant took place. Esther, a Jewish woman who was counselled by Mordecai her cousin and guardian, suggested she enroll. Out of thousands of women, who were all beautiful, Esther stood out. She went from nothing (an orphaned girl) to a position of influence (the Queen); simply because God positioned her there, with Mordecai as her biggest encourager and counsellor.
Have you ever considered that you might have been placed in a position of influence because God doesn’t want you to blend in? Will you encourage and speak the truth to yourself and others, so that you will grow and develop in the place God has positioned you in? In a place to stand up and not be silent…not to conform or to be neutral? Why? Because God is calling you to!
Mordecai, her guardian, was not afraid to tell Esther what He believed she should do. Do you have a trusted person in your life that you can guarantee will speak the truth out to you?
Esther was fierce!…yes, she was empowering, energizing and enlightening because she had three characteristics in place:
1. Personal Growth
She was at a place of her own personal growth, in which she recognized that she must continually develop herself in order to reach her full potential, an important part of her maturity, success and happiness. She remained opened to the possibility of being better than who she was the day before. after Mordecai explained the will of God, she stuck to the plan, despite the reactions of others. Then at the right time, she took the swing...empowering others!
Esther did not become queen to be silent, she was there ‘for such a time as this’ to save her people. She was called to a greater purpose, but first, she had to spend time with her God, fasting and praying. There she plugged in and downloaded power from on high. Before stepping up to her assignment.
2. Enthusiasm
She had to adjust her mindset to convince herself of the tasks that only she could accomplish, and needed to achieve. When God calls us, this calling might conflict with our comfort zone. We would rather do comfortable things, than push ourselves and create conflicts, because we need to move away from where we might have become stagnant. After prayer, Esther approached the King, with subtlety (keen insight), as she requested a celebration with the King, as God’s favor rested upon her.
The King was so pleased with Esther that he offered her half of his kingdom. Yet that wasn’t what she wanted. So, she asked for another night of celebration. Then on the second night she voiced her request. Ask yourself this question. Is energizing all about your time management or is there some level of creating the stamina to endure so that your energy doesn’t decrease, and you can produce results?
3. Enlightenment
Wake up to the dreams that God has given you to become fierce. Include those goals you have placed on the back burner or those you have allowed to die or tried so hard to forget. Something within you seizes that moment, when you realize that it’s not just about you but about God utilizing your skills to help others. Draw from your painful experiences, your story is now a catalyst to avoid closing yourself off and become an inspiration to others, from your own life journey.
Esther had a choice, she could have stayed silent, remain hidden as a shy Jewish woman, but instead she stood up with courage, she didn’t miss ‘such a time as this’, because she knew this was God’s timeline.
So many times, in our own lives we struggle because we chase our own timelines, instead of relying on God’s timing. Approaching the King must have taken much courage and guts for Esther to place her request before the King. There will always be people in front of us and behind, but the key is to stay in our lane and run the race God is calling us individually to do. Instead of leaning into fear and worrying about what everyone else is doing and their success.
What is important more than anything, is that if you want to become fierce, (violently resolute), as God has called you to be, then you need to further develop this intimate relationship with Him. It starts in your private closet where you are praying and seeking God, searching His word and being sustained by his truth.
What’s your stopping point?
Is God calling you to a place of influence as a violently resolute person of influence, and you think, ‘how can God specifically appoint me’?
Digger deeper. Spend time seeking God in order to download His direct instructions. Ask God to empower you to move forward, and to give you courage for the next step. Part of being violently resolute, means you choose to enlist boundaries. You know when to walk away, when you know something isn’t working, and you don’t play the victim, because you know where your self-worth is founded. If you know God has called you, then you shouldn’t be afraid or keep quiet. This journey of fierceness can be acquired with traits that empower, energizes and enlighten your every step.
Conclusion
Despite not wanting to stand out, hiding her real name and concealing her identity, Esther became the new, much loved queen and fierce woman. We already know from historic accounts that she was stunningly beautiful. However, she never let her beauty, her curves or her nails override her wit to follow her God-inspired calling and save her people.
To be fierce and the one in the Kingdom, who is violently resolute, you have to detach yourself from people, in order to pursue who God has called you to be. Giving up is not an option at all. Keep going and slow down if you must, and if you need to get inspiration to educate yourself more or learn additional skills, but never quit!
We need to recognize how our attitude, drive and hope can impact those around us, because our aim is to remain open to possibilities while trusting the significance God has for us. We must grow under pressure, evolve to the next level and we must not stall out at every roadblock or crumble under failure.
You too can become violently resolute, like Esther:
§ by being obedient to God
§ being friendly to others
§ being savvy to wise counsel
§ having the faith to believe
§ having the insight to exercise humility and by;
§ having enough courage to take action at the appropriate time.
Whoever has ears, let them hear!
This is another way of saying, “Listen up! Pay close attention!” He is calling for people to take careful heed, every person, every age, ethnicity, language, and occupation. That unless people are willing to tune out other distractions and come to Jesus to understand the meaning of His words and teaching…His words would be only empty stories. They needed ears, but ears that could indeed…perceive and understand.