I started my morning like every other day, spending time praying, reading my devotional & my Bible. I then go on to posting scriptures & thoughts on my Twitter account, typing up a message to email to a few people then rush to get ready for work.
As I headed out the door, I had no idea how important the things I just finished reading would be for me. I sometimes think, “I'm good, I've got this whole, stress, worry, and fear thing under control. I've learned to seek the Lord daily and feel like nothing's going to shake me.” I know the truth of Jesus Christ for goodness sake. I carry it on my heart, in my mind & spirit.
But...the enemy is always lurking, waiting to hit a weakness.
I walked right into my first obstacle the second I reached my car. There were two parking control guys standing at my oldest son's car. I asked, "Is there a problem?" "Yes, this car's registration is expired & we're towing it." I tried everything I could to talk them out of it. I was so frustrated, knowing my son was in Utah with my sister, didn't have any money to get the car out and he's the only one on the pink slip. His car didn't pass smog even though he paid all his fees; he hasn't been able to complete the registration. I was so upset, I started to cry. Then a few more things transpired to continue my down ward spiral. I cried on the way to work, just feeling overwhelmed. Once I reached the parking lot, I sat in my car and prayed. I knew the enemy was throwing everything at me, playing with my emotions & overwhelming me with so many things at once.
As I prayed, Anthony called me and said, "Re-read the Devotional you just sent out to everyone this morning. It's perfect for what you’re facing." I opened the e-mail on my Blackberry and began soaking in each and every word. I always read it before I send it to everyone. What I didn't realize were those words were specifically for me! (Try saying, "I trust You, Jesus" in response to whatever happens to you.) Don't get me wrong, I know when I read them that it's for my benefit first & foremost, but sometimes, I find myself thinking, "Oh, this will be perfect for so & so, they’re going through a really difficult time right now."
But the truth of the matter is, when the Lord sends words your way, you need to soak them in & apply them to everything you face during the day. It's not for someone else...it's for you. He's giving you guidance and direction, which enables you to be comforted when the enemy overwhelms you...attempting to send you into a tailspin. The Lord's words are there to grab hold of your instable, human emotions. He knows what's outside that front door waiting for you. He is arming you with His protection. He has already defeated the enemy. He is leading you to this same victory. Listen to what the Lord is telling you & just as Jesus replied to the enemy's lies, with God's written word, follow His example (Read Luke 4:1-13) For the enemy loses his power in the face of God's Truth.
Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'
Luke 4:4
He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes & scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you."
Luke 10:18
"A man's steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way."
Proverbs 20:24
"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."
Proverbs 19:21
One thing you should correct: "I started my morning like every other day, spending time praying, reading my devotional & my Bible." Instead try reading your Bible and then your devotional. Priorities priorities.
ReplyDeleteIn all seriousness though, make sure you take effort not only to deny the enemy your sorrow, but your service. I see nothing implying any distinct faults in your writing, but I also see a need to speak against potential faults. Ask God in the name of his Son to strengthen you in faith and self-control, so that you will not miss any anger, judgement, or carelessness towards a brother, and that you correct such errors.
I mean not to discourage, but only to remind you of missing instructions. Refer to the Word of the Lord for a reference of this. First seek teaching and example from the Gospel, then from the elaborations made by the saints in the latter books.
Glory be to the God of all creation and to his Son, who is, was, and will be.