Revolutionary
When I’m not writing, my husband and I are kept busy running a theatre company, which we have called “The Genesis Revolution”. People often ask the story behind the name. Logan and I had been talking about starting up an equipping ministry, to help people share their God-stories.
I was mentioning this to my mum and she made the perfect Freudian slip: "The way God weaves stories, from Genesis to Revolution, is incredible". We both laughed - of course, she had meant from Genesis to Revelation, but there was a lot of truth in that simple mistake.
This life we are called to live is not mundane or ordinary. It really is revolutionary, in every sense of the word. And it begins with our Heavenly Father - in a life steeped in His Word, worship and communion with Him.
revolutionary
rɛvəˈluːʃ(ə)n(ə)ri/
adjective
1. involving or causing a complete or dramatic change.
"a revolutionary new drug"
synonyms:thoroughgoing, thorough, complete, total, entire, absolute, utter, comprehensive, exhaustive, sweeping, far-reaching, wide-ranging, extensive, profound
2. engaged in or promoting political revolution.
"the revolutionary army"
synonyms:rebellious, rebel, insurgent, rioting, mutinous, mutinying, renegade, insurrectionary, seditious, factious, insubordinate, subversive;
Truly living a life of faith is an adventure of revolution. Against the "old man". Against a world groaning under sin. Choosing to be different and courageous. To go deeper, further, harder and stronger. The life of a true revolutionary is not something we can do in our own strength. It is far too difficult to do without the Hand of the Great Author to lift us, guide us, encourage us when the going gets tough, to offer us truth, mercy, forgiveness when we fail and a chance to start again.
Being a true revolutionary for God is a life of continual sanctification. Of never being satisfied with less than God's best. Striving, with His endurance, for His change. For His purposes. Of spurring our brothers and sisters on to more freedom-from-chains in Christ and living a set-apart life.
When I started out writing about the Woman at the Well in John 4, I was convinced that the most challenging part to write would be her encounter with Jesus. It wasn’t. That was the easiest part, as it is where she came to the end of herself. The earlier part was easy to write as well, as it was a woman living in a very worldly way.
It was her life after meeting Jesus, her life after being made new, that was hard to write about. Because the way she lived after meeting Jesus had to be defined by that moment. No moment could possibly be greater. She was new, and her purpose was new. Her purpose was to lead others to Jesus and that wasn’t just through shouting and being dramatic, it was through living life beside them and sharing her own story of Him.
Revolutionary
Revolution isn't all proclaiming, protesting and fighting.
It isn't all loud and violent and angry.
It doesn't have to use force.
Or insurgency.
Sometimes, revolution looks like simple kindness.
Sometimes, it is the act of listening. Stopping. Taking time.
Respecting. Saying "No" to evil, whatever the cost.
It is choosing a better way. And living that, no matter what.
Dedicatedly.
Revolutions don't always happen in the public forum.
Often, they happen in the heart or in a small, private room.
But it can never be hidden.
When a true revolution occurs, soon enough, everyone will know.
Revolution comes at a cost. Always.
The cost isn’t necessarily blood.
Sometimes it is inclusion and belonging.
Or "things". And often, tears.
There is always death - but it isn't always physical.
Sometimes it is things of the old-self,
Or behaviours we must leave behind.
And a revolution always involves over-throwing.
The old regime has to go.
You can't begin anew with the old tyrant still on the throne.
That doesn't always mean a bloody battle.
Sometimes it is simply done with peaceful, firm words of authority.
"Your time is up. The true King is ruling now".
The past is cast off and removed.
The new, revolutionary life is put on.
To be a true revolutionary is to be counter-cultural.
Daring and brave.
Merciful, but just.
Forgiving and moving forward.
Focused on what can be, not what was.
Ready to step from one place into another.
Revolutions always have one thing in common.
The laying down of Life.
The sacrifice of self for a cause, or for another person.
Fighting for what is right until there is nothing left of the old
And the new has come. Transformed.
In my book, Ya’acov’s Well, I explore the journey of the John 4 "Woman at the Well" from fallen women and “no-hoper” to a redeemed revolutionary. Email me via the contact form to request your free chapter now!
Nina
For Nina’s books and blogs, or to make contact, visit ninapeck.co.nz