We believe a lot of lies about ourselves. The loudest lies are those uttered by the silent voice of the enemy, echoing from the pit of hell. From the time I was a child, I heard the lie “you’ll never be a real man.”
I’d never shot a gun (other than a BB gun). I’ve told people, “I’m not interested in guns.” Truth is, I’ve lived controlled by the enemy’s lie: “You don’t have what it takes to do ‘man-stuff’. Leave the dangerous things (like guns) to the real men.” My refusing to learn to handle a gun came from my fear of being exposed as lacking that mystical “something” that defines and marks a true man.
God loves killing lies. And sometimes, He uses… a gun.
A few years ago I became friends with a group of men who all enjoyed… guns! I was angry. I needed their friendship. But, by my own definition I made myself an outsider, since I viewed guns as belonging to a level of manhood that I could not achieve.
I began praying (exploding and yelling are the more accurate terms, here) “what are You thinking God? I’m not that comfortable around men as it is, without also having to deal with friends who like guns!!! (Just in case you’re wondering, God did not answer my tirades. At least not then.)
One of the guys (PistolPackin’Dad) offered to help me face my fear, when I was ready. Recently, we traipsed across the cow pasture to the backside of my farm, armed with his pistol and rifle, to do some target shooting. (Only a year or so after his offer – I’m stubborn!)
Crossing a swampy creek, we managed to miss solid footing and both ended up with muddy shoes. (Well, he had one muddy shoe, I had two.) That resulted in us walking barefoot across the pasture. One of us (I’m not saying who) missed seeing (and therefore did NOT miss stepping into) a cow patty!
Regardless of our missteps, we found a good location for our makeshift shooting range. The herd of cattle closed in behind us to observe. Their decision to remain safely on the far side of the stream was probably an indication of their wisdom!
Shooting was much simpler than I’d anticipated. And surprisingly, I hit pretty near the bull’s eye a couple times. I had… fun! More importantly, I faced the lie that said “you’re not strong enough or man enough to shoot a gun.”
Now, obviously, shooting a gun is not exclusively a “man thing”. Nor does the ability to shoot a gun identify a “real man”. But still, God used a gun to show me that He’s able and willing to give me the courage (and the weapons) to face my deepest fears. And I think that’s pretty cool.
The willingness to face the fears that have grown from the enemy’s lies, is the willingness to live with courage. By picking up a weapon, I’ve found more of my heart. I’ve taken aim at the fears and lies that have defined me for so long.
What are the weapons that God’s inviting you to take up, to face your fears and to stop the enemy’s lies from controlling you?
(Click here to read Part 2.)
I was impressed by how well you shot, especially since it was the first time you’d ever pulled the trigger on a deadly weapon. Good job all the way around.
Having a patient instructor helped (a lot)!!!
Ahhh… Courageously slaying giants when it would’ve been easier to avoid them. So thankful you took up your weapons (spiritual and physical) and faced them head-on. (And I was quite impressed with the finished target!!)
Thanks Jennifer!