photo & story by: lisa petrarca
Why is it so hard to learn to walk by faith? Some days I do well and other days I have to get on my knees and stay there until the fear, anxiety and negative thoughts disappear. I've learned to pray through these things.
On those days, my prayers also need to continue throughout my day, with each unsettling encounter, with each self defeating thought, because there is an enemy who wants to bring me and you down. He wants to see us fail.
Prayer and the scriptures is how you defeat him. Just as Jesus did when He was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry, and satan came to tempt Him. Jesus came back at him with scriptures, quoting truth, quoting life sustaining wisdom, quoting His Father's words.
Jesus answered, "It is written: "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God" Matthew 4:19
Jesus answered him, "It is also written: "Do not put the Lord your God to the test" Matthew 4:7
Jesus said to him, "Away from me, satan! For it is written: "Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only." Matthew 4:10
Are you able to do this? When negative thoughts are flooding your mind like a tidal wave, drowning your confidence and self worth, are you able to stop it? Are you reading the scriptures daily, absorbing all that God is trying to reveal to you? He has given you a lifeline, a safety net, a boat to help you reach the other side without drowning. Stop treading water, you will eventually begin to sink. Grab hold of God's life jacket. He has given you the answers to all your questions, just reach out, open the scriptures and pray today.
The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest. Isaiah 32:17-18
O Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress. Isaiah 33:2
That was an ispiring post, Lisa...Thanks for sharing those wonderful scriptures. x
ReplyDeleteThere's nothing like Scripture to combat the enemy. I know whenever I start beginning to believe the lies, I remind myself what God says. I even have verses on notecards so when I am anxious I can remember Philippins 4:6-7.
ReplyDeleteLisa, thank you for your kind comments on Heart Choices. The poem you wrote was beautiful and I thank you for taking the time to write it out for me. Bless you!
It's amazing as I found your blog through Philip in Cyprus with his traveling blog. Isn't it wonderful that God can use who He choses? I'm so glad to be able to follow your blog and your heart. You are beautiful both outside and inside Lisa.
Blessings and love,
Debbie