Ocean’s Eleven has always been one of my favorite movies. Throughout the film, a group of 12 men, led by Danny Ocean, take on a heist that is extremely difficult. Even when things seem impossible and problems arise, Danny seems cool and collected and makes adjustments. There is a moment towards the end of the film where we think Danny failed. But, what we the viewer couldn’t see was that the plan was even bigger. The one who was leading the way was confident his crew would complete the mission because he knew the whole plan.
We are constantly bombarded with negativity and the enemy wants nothing more than to steal our joy and cripple us with fear, but as believers, we are in the crew of the One who knows the whole plan.
Scripture is clear that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and a strong mind.
The Apostle Paul, who was in prison, was able to talk about freedom. This is counter to his circumstances in every way, but he trusted the One who knew the plan. He had joy and a peace that passes all understanding.
We can look at our circumstances today and feel that our freedom has been taken away or our finances are in jeopardy, but the truth is that Scripture declares over and over again that the Lord’s joy and peace can never be taken from us unless we allow it.
It is from this place that Ordinary Men and Women can be a light. We can either be frantic and fearful as the world, or lead well as beacons of light.
I am reminded of the passage in 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 that says, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.”
It is my belief that revival will occur when we start acting like the people of God instead of like the world. We have an opportunity to partner with Jesus in revealing Him through us.