Just about a year ago I was in the process of conquering a certain sin in my life. At that same time, I met someone who became like a second father to me. He has a habit of giving people nicknames that fit their personalities.
He named me Dragonslayer. At first it was a fun nickname, tying in nicely to the theme of my novel, but I didn’t realize fully how God would use something seemingly so trite in my life to really help me grow. As I began to grow into that name, I began to realize that there was more to it than just a fun nickname. It is an expression not only of who I am, but of who I am trying to become.
During this time, which was really a several-week period of thought and growth in my life, I attended the women’s retreat with my church. Along with discussions about spiritual gifts, among other things, I had a lot of time to really reflect on who I am in Christ, and what He was doing in my life. During the retreat, I was also given an opportunity to write myself a letter which would then be mailed to me, reminding myself of what I learned that weekend, and encouraging me to continue on.
Well, fast forward to this past week.
What I thought was conquered sin in my life has been sneaking up on me again. A little bad judgment here, a touch of justification there, and voila! Different set of circumstances, but the same issues in my heart that I thought I dealt with a year ago are weeks choking the garden God is trying to plant. I struggled, not wanting to give it up, but knowing I needed to.
And then I came across the letter I’d written to myself. The words I told myself a year ago gave me the strength to take the steps to break this cycle. Again.
I’d like to share the words I wrote. Please bear in mind I wrote them to myself, but I pray they will encourage you as well.
Dragonslayer,
Do you remember what it means? Do you remember who you are? Do you know what you are?
At retreat you uncovered that your spiritual gift is prophecy–Speaking the Truth. You don’t need anyone else’s approval. You don’t need anyone else’s adulation. You are grounded in Truth and you have the strength to speak it.
Remember to temper your words, to speak in love. But don’t be afraid to speak.
Don’t let the judgment of others bring you down. The Dragonslayer is a conqueror. It doesn’t matter if others see what you are and what you do as valuable. You know that it is. Embrace it. Live it.
Don’t be tied down by temptation. You have been freed from that. You are free, indeed! Don’t let the chains bind you. Don’t give away your freedom. The Dragonslayer has the strength to slay the evil one. But never forget Who it is that gives you your power. You are not the Dragonslayer because anyone says you are. Others may be used to help reveal the truth, but He IS Truth. Only He can give you the gift of prophecy. Use it for His glory. Only He can give you the strength to be the Dragonslayer. Use it to help set others free.
This is great, just what I need to read this morning!!! Thanks
Man. You make me wish I had a cool nickname like that.
Seriously though, I can relate to this in so many ways, though not so much applying to a sin as to a misconception of God that has been destroying my relationship with Him. It’s so difficult to try and unlearn all of the bad habits we’ve tied ourselves up with over the years, but God is faithful and He’s always there to give us encouragement just when we need it.