Sunday, February 17, 2008

Continual Preparation


When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him. Isaiah 59:19b (New King James Version)


Sometimes the enemy makes sneak attacks. They have been planned out for days or even weeks and at the right moment he strikes. Other times the attack is so blatant and head on it literally feels like an overwhelming flood has hit. I find it interesting that the word flood can also imply an undercurrent. Growing up near Lake Michigan I often heard of the under toes that could pull a swimmer down quickly and the result could be tragic. Being caught off guard and unprepared was deadly for some. Spiritually speaking we must stay alert and knowledgeable to our adversary. We must know the places he tends to visit and the things he is most likely to use against us. He thrives on our ignorance of him and his techniques.

We also must stay aware of God’s actions at such times. At the time of attacks, He will lift up a standard against our enemy. This has the idea of putting one to flight and providing an escape. The enemy is put to flight and I am given a way to escape. I like that! It comforts me to know I never face a battle alone. God fights for me and with me! Without that awareness I sink all too quickly and wonder if I will ever come up for air. But that is not God’s intent. He wants to grow me up in the grace and knowledge of Himself. He wants to develop my spiritual muscles and teach my hands how to war successfully. He wants to teach me how to use the armor He has provided and to stand with boldness and confidence in Him.

I am currently learning another powerful truth. With each battle and in between the battles I am being prepared for the next one that hits. When an attack comes, I am better at fighting than I was for the last one. I take some blows, yes, but the devastation is not as profound and the duration is not as long. Discouragement over the fact that I am still engaged in the same types of battles is being replaced by the truth that I am not fighting against flesh and blood……..even when it is my own…….but I am fighting against principalities and powers and rulers in high places. I am learning to define the battle which is often easily camouflaged by the enemy. It is called discernment, walking in truth, and taking a firm stand on the battlefield. If tears are going to fall let them fall amidst praise of what I know God is doing! May God continue to awaken in me the Spirit of a true warrior child!

Father, this recent attack served as preparation for the next one. I raise my shield of faith and sword of the Spirit once again. This battle is Yours and so am I. Amen.

Truth Telling


Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.” John 4:16 (New King James Version)

A woman of Samaria comes to a well to get water and is about to have a conversation with Jesus. What she didn’t realize was that He was her Creator and knew every detail of her life. He also sought to be the redeemer of her life. A radical change was about to take place but it would require a moment of truth. Once her interest was pricked Jesus asked her a question that would change her entire view of Him. He asked her to go and get her husband. The woman’s first response was a cover up of sorts. She simply told Jesus she didn’t have a husband. Her words were true but her story was still being well hidden….as far as she was concerned. Jesus knew the truth. In a moments time He exposed an area of her life that she was hoping would remain her “secret.” He revealed the living situation she was presently in. Having been married five times previously, she was now living with a person she wasn’t married to. Her reaction was not one of denial, shame, or anger. Her reaction was that she finally saw Jesus for who He was.

I have come to realize how my honesty with God opens up a relationship with Him that is impossible when I try to hide details of my life from Him. He knows it all. He has seen everything I have done, heard everything I have said, and perceived everything I have thought. He has been present at every conversation, witnessed every heartache, and detected every sin. He even stands fully aware of any future moments in my life. Opening up in honesty to Him is NOT for the purpose of informing Him of something He does not know. It is for the purpose of freeing me!

I love Job 36:16 from the NIV, “He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restrictions, to the comfort of your table laden with choice food.” It has become my life verse because it expresses God’s plan and work in my life. I am not free in any area where I am in denial or hiding. When I close off any area of my life and hesitate to confide the truth to my Heavenly Father I am in a prison of my own making. His desire for me to be honest with Him about my actions, motives, thoughts, and failures is an invitation to freedom and intimate relationship. My honesty opens up the lines of communication and the door to change.

Knowing that He loves me unconditionally, delights in me as His daughter, and longs to set me free from any and all things, makes it possible and desirable to be honest with Him. I have learned that my truth telling is always met with open arms, tender eyes, listening ears, and receptive heart. The beauty of His fathering me is something I continue to marvel over!

Father, You ask the right questions and probe the right areas of my heart. I am learning to trust You in ways that use to be difficult. May the conversations we have continue to be healing, refreshing, and renewing. Amen.