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| Ariel Dorcent -Tribute to The Black Panther https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7FAX6uN0JU&t=57s |
Your enemy is large, angry and intimidating. Full of hate, he is determined to destroy you and your legacy. You have no doubt; your opponent desires everything you possess and will kill you to get it. His intentions are clear and from the looks of him, you can see he’s fully capable of manifesting his desires. Understanding the possible outcome, how do you respond? Do you flee, cast your opponent into prison, or do you look him squarely in the eye and say, “I accept your challenge.”
This was the most important line to me in the Black Panther movie, starring Chad Boseman, Lupita Nyong'o, and Danai Gurira.
The Black Panther's cousin was of royal blood, therefore, had rights to the throne by means of ritual combat. The men would fight until one of them yielded or died.
I sat in the theater on edge of my seat — afraid, knowing the hate in his opponent's heart. The King did not waiver, however. With precise calmness, the King offers his cousin the opportunity and a pathway to the throne. Four simple words, not so simple, however, gave permission. “I accept your challenge.”
Days following the movie, until I set out to see it a second time, these four words rang over and over in my spirit. What challenge am I facing and how does it affect my future and my legacy? Will I flee by way of distraction or stay locked in my fear? Or will I look at the potential of the deadly consequences and say, “I accept your challenge.”
Finally, it hit me. You do not look at the deadly consequences and say those four words. In fact, if you do, chances are you will accept and be defeated. I’m reminded of a scripture that says, And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think on these things. Philippians 4:7-8
I believe the King wasn’t calmly looking at his opponent. I believe he was looking through him — into the future. He was looking at what was true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. Once he looked ahead, he saw what he needed to fight for and what he would protect. His decision was clear. This is how you and I remain calm facing adversity — you guard your heart and mind with God’s word and confidence.
But I think there’s more to help us. Also, in the movie when The Black Panther King went into battle, he was stripped of the power of the black panther. He would then fight as a mere man. For the believer, we should never go into battle stripped of our power. We are equipped with the Holy Spirit.
Personally, it has no longer become a question for me of accepting the challenge. It is the answer that follows if I do not. I reject that answer. I am not prepared to deal with the consequences of fleeing the challenge. I will not give adversity a foothold to a legacy that is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy.
As I step into a new phase of ministry, I find His peace. It is not I. We, my heavenly King and I, accept the challenge. We must. Too much is at stake and we cannot afford to lose it.
I pray you do as well.
What challenges are you facing? What will you lose if you do not accept? I'd love to hear from you.
Until We Meet Again,
Brook Lynn
Brook Lynn Dorcent
Author/Coach/Inspirational Speaker
Host: JUST WRITE REVIEW
Founder/Facilitator: JUST WRITE! - A Club for Writers
Missing the Mark (Novel One)
Pressing Toward the Mark (Novel Two)
Forgetting Betrayal (Novel Three)
Above All (Novel Four)
Finally Home (A Novel) Download Today
Everlasting Faith (A Novel - Coming 2018)
Spirit Over Will (Devotional)
OUTStanding (Teen Guide)
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