Have you ever heard of Francis Clayton? Probably not, unless your a huge Civil War history buff. I hadn't heard of her until my visit to the History Museum with my husband a few days ago.
Francis Clayton was a woman who disguised herself as a man so she could fight next to her husband during the Civil War. This woman who once wore a gown and coiffed hair, now wore short hair and a uniform. She carried a gun and fought with intention.
She didn't sit on the sidelines. She didn't even stay home and wait on her husband. She followed him right into battle after battle, until she was wounded in Tennessee in 1863. Now there is a woman standing by her man.
I wanted to stand and cheer for this fearless woman. I wanted to say, "You go, girl!"
Her story was powerful for me. I asked myself, "How do I disguise myself?" Am I disguised in God's clothing? Have I allowed change in myself to totally reflect Him? Do others see more of me or do they see more of Him? When I walk out on that battlefield, does the enemy know what side I'm standing on?
So many questions came to mind and heart as I was captivated by this woman's life. She didn't choose the easy way. She didn't choose the battle, but she did choose to stand in battle. She fought fearless and proud. Am I fearless in my battle? Am I ready to stand for whatever may come?
I want to live fearless! I want to live with intention and commitment. I want to be disguised in God's Word for all to see. I want them to see less of me and more of Him. When God is for us, who can then stand against us? With Him no battle is fought for self. It is fought for a higher cause and a gain for our God and Savior.
God doesn't send us into battle ill-equipped. He gives us His Word and endows us to march on with honor and integrity. He sets before us His plan and sends us where we are to go. We are to make a difference. We are to stand even when the going gets tough. That's where real faith comes in. With that faith we find peace even in the biggest battle and we trust the One who sent us forward, equipping us with all we need to share the gospel.
Stike up the band, my friends, and lets stand in faith as we face each battle, disguised in God's armor!
"Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm."
Ephesians 6:13
"Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love."
1 Corinthians 16:13-14
