SHATTERPROOF
I awoke the other morning to the word Shatterproof swirling in my head. I dismissed it at first because I was so tired from the previous day’s activities BUT I kept hearing this word over and over in my head. I then clued in that the Lord was trying to get my attention. Trying to make sense of what was going on, I asked the Holy Spirit to speak to me about this word..shatterproof. He began to share a few things with me. He wants His people to be shatterproof. What does this mean? I believe He wants His people to be able to walk through life confident in who they are in Christ, full of faith not fear, unoffended and not easily angered.
A car windshield has shatterproof glass for a reason. As you drive down a road at high speeds, a rock or debris may come up and hit the glass. This little rock puts a ding in the shatterproof glass but it doesn't cause it to completely shatter. Our lives are full of these little rocks or debris that come out of nowhere and hit us. These rocks or debris could be a mean remark by a friend, critical words by a loved one or boss, unexpected sickness, betrayal, being overlooked, dealing with a rebellious child, etc. The more miles you drive in life….the more unexpected debris you will face.
The question is are you shatterproof? How quickly do you recover from the rocks/debris? The definition of shatterproof according to Webster’s says: made so that it does not break easily and will not form sharp, dangerous places if it does break. In 2 Corinthians 4:6-8, it says:
“For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.”
This is great news! God gave us the greatest example of a shatterproof life in Jesus Christ. Jesus was dismissed by loved ones, mocked, beaten, betrayed, lied to, talked about, rejected, spit on and so much more. He didn’t allow any of these things to cause him to carry unforgiveness, bitterness, resentment, offense, hatred, etc. He truly lived a shatterproof life and He sent the Holy Spirit to us to equip us to live this same kind of lifestyle.
God is calling us to be a shatterproof generation. A generation that pursues the Presence of God at all costs. A generation whose confidence comes from knowing Whose they are...sons and daughters of the Most High. A generation that walks in the authority given to them by Jesus Christ and the resurrection power of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:18). A generation that is not conformed to the patterns of this world but transformed by the renewing of their minds. (Romans 12:2) A generation that believes the impossible is possible (Luke 18:27). A generation that walks free from the opinion of man and only wants to please the Father in Heaven (Proverbs 29:25). A generation that stands up for Truth at all costs. A generation with a renewed reverence and holy awe for the Lord (Psalm 33:8).
In order to withstand the coming days, you cannot be easily broken by the world, people or your circumstances. You must shatterproof your life. How in the world is this possible? Well, these are four of the main things the Lord has taught me over the years:
1. Spend time in the Word and in His Presence daily.
2. See yourself and others the way God sees you in Christ.
3. Remain unoffendable and take care of offenses quickly.
4. Forgive often and don’t allow bitterness and resentment take root.
May you be blessed on your road trip of life!