Remain Steadfast

The kids and I went to see the movie, "How To Train Your Dragon".  In this movie, the vikings lived to kill all the dragons that entered their island.  The dragons fought back, of course, and won many of the fights.  One man ruled over the people on this island and could kill any dragon he faced.  His son, Hiccup, displayed the opposite character of his father.  Hiccup could not kill a dragon.  He felt compelled to be like his father and all the other vikings, but his heart would not allow him. 

He roped the most dangerous dragon of all and stood right in front, ready to kill it, but his little hand withdrew the sword and released the dragon (which later became his pet).  Hiccup began training with other kids to become a true viking, something required of all inhabitants.  At lunch the kids sat away from him because he seemed "weird" or "different".  The instructor continued to use Hiccup as an example of what NOT to do. 

Hiccup began studying each species of dragons.  He remained patient and found a way to tame each species.  He no longer tried to conform to the ways and thoughts of the other kids.  Each day at training, Hiccup would bring peace over each dragon without fighting.  The others stood in amazement.  As time went on, the kids began to sit with Hiccup at lunch.  They wanted whatever it was that he had.  They wanted to know the key in finding peace among dragons. 

Hiccup found that the dragons and the vikings had one common enemy (the father of all dragons).  Hiccup laid his life on the line to save all the inhabitants and defeat the enemy!

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters." (1 John 3:16)

"He guides the humble in what is right
   and teaches them his way.
All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful
   toward those who keep the demands of his covenant."

(Psalm 25: 9-10)

"Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it." (Matthew 16:24-25)

Okay, so I know this is a cartoon, but I see a correlation between Hiccup's experience and that of a Christian.  Have you ever found yourself to be the minority, seeming "weird" or "different" because you follow God's teaching?  Have you been denied friendships due to your faith?  Have you been looked upon as worthless because you chose to walk the straight path?

I urge you to not conform to the patterns of this world (see Romans 12:2), but stay strong in your faith.  Stand firm to the teachings of God.  Study Him, so to set an example to all you meet.  As you find peace with each 'dragon' facing you, others will see you have the key to unending joy.  Give up the fight and allow God to take over so to bring peace.  No battle exists too big for God (see 2 Chronicles 20:15).

Once Hiccup defeated the common enemy, peace came among the vikings and the dragons.  Remember, our common enemy is already defeated.  Accept this and let God lead us daily.  Embrace suffering, sacrificing yourself so as to find your true self through Him.  Hiccup did not give up because everyone else thought he was crazy.  No, he remained steadfast and followed his faith, finding the answers to peace. 

God, thank you for today.  Thank You for yet another opportunity to serve You.  May every move I make be in concordance with Your Will for me.  May I set an example for all I meet and stand firm to my faith.  Though I may be in the minority, I know You got my back!  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig