Three Words that Change Everything

Years ago, I came to a critical crossroads in my life. I was up to my ears in unforgiveness, abiding anger, relational inauthenticity and spiritual disorder. I was a mess. I knew that I needed to face the music and begin the healing process, but I was afraid of what it would cost me. My inner black caldron of emotional pain would have to be opened. Years of relational and family dysfunction would have to be confronted. My own sin and pitiful coping mechanisms would have to be brought into the light. In short, if I wanted to get healthy, I could expect a lot of PAIN.

Now I like to think that I’m as tough as the next guy, maybe tougher. But when faced with the choice of deliberately walking into a season of emotional chaos . . . or not, my survival instincts tend to kick in. Why hurt in the name of being healthy when I can continue in my unhealth and avoid the chaos that authenticity brings? But try as I might to avoid the Spirit’s not-so-subtle promptings, I knew I needed to face my dark side. I remember the very day that I went for a long walk on a country road not far from my home. I wrestled with God and weighed the pros and cons and potential costs of bringing all my baggage into the light. There was no easy out; if I got honest, things were going to get rough.

Somewhere on that country road I reached a critical, watershed moment in my life. I crossed what I now call my So Be It line. I decided that I need to get healthy, to face my pain, and to do whatever it took to become the man that God was requiring me to be. I readily accepted the implications and certain relational chaos that would no doubt come. I remember saying out loud, “So be it.” And at that moment, I was free.

My life changed instantly. The pain and relational chaos did come. I had to have some brutal conversations with family members. I had to forgive and seek forgiveness. I spent countless hours in a counselor’s office sorting through all my emotional baggage. It was worth every moment of it. As an adult Christian, my So Be It moment was the most important of my life. Since then, I have prayed nearly every day for God to continue to give me a So Be It mindset. I will not negotiate with God. I refuse to arm wrestle or posture with my Creator. I am the Lord’s slave; may it be to me as He has said.

Are you a So Be It Christian? Have you crossed the line of radical obedience? Pray for a So Be It mindset. Tell God that you left your rights at the altar when you were married to Jesus. Tell Him that you will not negotiate, you will not posture, and you will not bargain. Close the door of obedience behind you. When you do, know that the best years of your Christian life still lie ahead of you. Become a So Be It Christian.–From Pray Big: The Power of Pinpoint Prayers