How Do They Do This Work?

It’s been a day since I watched the movie Sound of Freedom, and silently, I keep asking this question, “How do they do it?”

If you are unfamiliar with the film and the story on which it’s based, please watch the trailer below. Better yet, buy two tickets and take a friend. It’s not a feel good movie. You might cry, but for sure you’re going to feel some raw emotion. You might be triggered if you experienced abuse as a child. But you won’t be able to say you didn’t know.

“Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭18‬ ‭ESV‬‬

I walked away sad and angry. I left the movie theater grateful for men and women whose job it is to protect us, find the evil perpetrators and rescue the most vulnerable among us. However, after watching just a sampling of Tim Ballard’s regular workday I continue to shake my head and wonder how he was able to see what he saw and know what he knows without succumbing to the utter darkness of witnessing evil firsthand.

My only answer (not necessarily the only right answer) is that God made him that way. God must have designed him, and so many of his colleagues who are heroes even if they’re never featured in a movie, with intricately specific gifts and talents making them uniquely fit for the work they do.

And yet, I think I would come up short in my analysis if I left out the Supernatural power of God’s Spirit. Fighting against absolute evil is something only God can do. I’m reminded now of all the Biblical sentences that tell us that God gave the victory. Whether Joshua or King David in battle or Peter and Paul chained in a dungeon, God prevailed. Even on the cross, when all went completely dark and it seemed that evil struck the final blow, Jesus arose from the tomb victorious over death.

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬ ‭ESV

Because sometimes it feels like evil is winning in our current day, I flip to the end of the book to once again read the end of our story. God wins! Hallelujah!! And for all of us who are adopted in Him and now bear His name, we win with Him. He will give us the victory over death and evil for ever and ever.

And so, I’m left still wondering how they do their work. I applaud their work against evil. Now being just a bit more knowledgeable causes me to thank God that He designed such humans to be warriors on the frontlines. I pray for their hearts to be overwhelmed by God’s love for them and for each one to find their strength in Him. I pray for each worker who fights on behalf of our children to daily release their burdens to Him and to know the daily cleansing of Christ so they too can live free from unforgiveness, bitterness and rage.

Finally, I’m asking, “Lord, what can I do?”

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭58‬ ‭ESV‬‬

At the end of the movie, while the credits are rolling and you’re left trying to catch your breath in the darkness and silence, you will see a notice for a special message with a countdown of 5 minutes. Stay. Watch. Listen.

Let Jim Caviezel’s message sink in. Hear that it took 5 years to get this movie into theaters, and let it register that God is never late. However, let it also resonate that the battle for truth is real. Be aware. I pray for you that your spirit is pricked with an awareness of your role. Mine was.

Two sentences, quotes from the actors, are now engraved upon my heart and mind. I’m posting them here because this story will become my reminder and my accountability. 1. “When God tells you what to do, you cannot hesitate.” 2. “The most powerful person in the world is the storyteller.” Steve Jobs quoted by Jim Caviezel.

I am a storyteller. And God tells me what to do. I’m not a warrior, but a scribe. The stories of warriors would not be known to us without scribes. So, I guess that means we’re all in this together.

“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I encourage you to get educated about the topic of sex trafficking. May we all look long at the faces of little children, and see in them God’s image. May we listen to their stories and help them to know their true identity in Christ. Let us remember that this is happening all around us so let’s pray for our neighborhood.

Lastly, I encourage you to ask God for your assignment, and for His supernatural power to accomplish the work He’s gifted you to do.

Jesus has the final word:

“I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.””
‭‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭33‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Hallelujah. Amen.

Eyes on Jesus and Shine,

Lisa

The word {work} is a prompt from Kate Motaung which she graciously offered to the wonderful and dedicated gaggle of faith writers. We’re known as the Five Minute Friday bunch.

I had too many though on this one word prompt until Tuesday, 7/18, when I watched the movie- Sound of Freedom.

Thank you for sharing my words with friends and family.