I had a post for today. I did. And then, in an odd twist of events, over the past 24 hours, I began to see ways that the enemy has been trying to advance. In my life and in the lives of those around me. If I’m guessing right, he may be messing with you too.
So that post, about God’s timing and my son’s birth {today is his birthday!}, I’m posting on my blog. Because sometimes you have to set your plans down and take the hand of the person next to you and say, “The enemy should have known not to mess with a woman with PMS. Let’s do this thing, sister.”
{Ok, maybe not the part about PMS…}
Here’s the deal. I’m afraid. Always. Of everything. Of confrontations. Of losing. Of looking dumb. Of looking smart. Of math. Of my thighs. And sometimes, even of the enemy.
I’ve noticed as I stepped out more into this God-sized dream, the target on my back has grown. And somewhere along the way, I began to slowly lower my head and try to shrink down. Scared to take any big hits.
Here was one of the red flags: I stopped praying BIG prayers. I got wimpy.
Maybe you’re doing it too. Or it might be showing itself in different ways, but you can tell you’ve gotten afraid. Afraid of calling too much attention to the good work that Jesus is doing in you. Because then the enemy will come a callin’.
“Chrisssstine,” He hisses, “Whatcha got going on over there? You wouldn’t mind if I just take a little look around would you?” I can almost hear him, as he starts to root around in all that I hold precious.
Chilling.
I have looked evil in the eye and he is real. Dressed up to look normal. Like someone out of everyday life. You have probably seen him too. He moves and interacts around us. By laying low and shrinking down, we give him control. Let him run rampant. With the very things we are terrified we’ll lose if we do step out any farther with God.
If we don’t stand up and accept the calling we’ve been given, I can assure you, he will run clear through our lives. It’s just a matter of when we will finally notice.
How bad will it get? How much damage will be done by the time we say, “Enough.”
I don’t want you to look around and think, “I wish I’d have stood up and fought before now.” You don’t want to catch it when standing in the ruins.
I read this in a Bible Gateway devotional by Paul Estabrooks of Open Doors International:
“First Satan concentrates on the life and name of Jesus which each and every believer bears as the Lord’s representative. I believe it is important for Christians undergoing persecution to realize the attack they are under is actually directed not at them, but at the life of Jesus in them, a life which they have power to transmit to others.
Satan will make every effort to discredit you, to frighten you and to silence your witness in order that the new life in you stops with you.”
As creatives, dreamers, sisters, we pose quite a threat to Satan. It’s no wonder he seeks to silence our witness. (<====Click to tweet.) When we stand up, united, we form quite an impressive battle front. But here’s the best part: with the power of Jesus, we are absolutely unstoppable. We can defeat any foe. By His Blood and by the power of the Cross, we are the most elite of fighters.
Us!
Even the chickens. The non-marathoners. The donut eaters. We form an elite force. For Him. Because Jesus didn’t just come because it would make a good story. He came to bring us life. In abundance. So we could be free and not to fear. So we could shed the guilt and the sin and leave it behind us. And with those now-free arms, let’s pick up our sword and fight, knowing the God of Angel Armies has our backs.
It might not be easy or pretty. You might get battered. But if not us, then who?
The enemy operates best under a cover of darkness, in secrecy. Because as long as he can keep everyone separated and ashamed and thinking they are the only one withstanding these attacks, the more harm he can do.
You are not alone. Let’s blow his cover and shine the light on what he’s doing, not just to us, but to so many other sisters. Let’s pull together, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus. (<====Click to tweet.) Let’s also pray bold prayers for each other, proclaim the name of Jesus, and walk boldly in our calling.
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you,
as though something strange were happening to you.
But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ,
so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”
1 Peter 4:12-13 (NIV)
Shared by: Christine Wright
Photo Credit: Jp, Creative Commons
Linking up with Holley Gerth’s Coffee for Your Heart Series today!
_______________________
Do you tweet? We invite you to visit our Twitter page.
Is Facebook more your style? Click here to visit us there!
The battle is raging. The enemy never sleeps. We have to always stay on guard, yet we mess up amazingly. Our schedules are interrupted, our family members are challenged and the unexpected, throws us off. Lord, help us to stay strong in the battle and as you said, ” Stand up and accept the calling we’ve been given.” Thanks Christine for your encouragement this morning.
Praying right beside you, Elaine!
Standing firm with you friend. Prayed for you first thing when I got up this morning…I know the attacks will come even stronger as you stand in faith. Praying we all put on our armor every day and grateful that I get to be marching with you!!
Grateful for you, friend!
“Because Jesus didn’t just come because it would make a good story. He came to bring us life. In abundance. So we could be free and not to fear.” So much truth here. Putting that armor on and praying for you today and every day, friend, as you step out into new waters. God is doing some mighty, mighty things because you said yes! Grateful for you.
Oh, the armor! Such strong protection He offers us! Grateful for that – and YOU – this morning, my mighty warrior friend.
Yes! Thanks for illuminating what I’ve been going through. It makes sense now.
Hey Charlotte. So many of us are in the battle right now. So many. Proud to be beside you, covered by His blood, battered but not fallen. Let’s keep going forward, for Him, friend.
Yeah, girl! These words put so much in perspective. I’m armoring up and keeping you in prayer, today especially!
Oh, sweet Mandy. Onward in His Name, right? He has us in His righteous right hand. Always! “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
ABSOLUTELY LOVE this!!! I linked up with Holley today too and have a similar message. I love how He is linking us all together to fight the good fight, how He is preparing us for battle and equipping us with the Sword of the Spirit, His word, to be the Godly women He created us to be!!!
Thanks so much for sharing His message and setting aside your plan Christine!
Hey Lanette – I have to go read your post!!! Yes, He is linking us all together to fight the good fight!!
You must have been listening to my conversation with my husband this morning! We have been under attack since we started a small group in our home last February (broken A/C, broken faucet, broken washer, broken cell phone, poisonous snake, people dropping out or just not showing up …. Although I keep praying daily for protection for our group members and for us and for our home, the attacks keep coming, and our group is struggling to stay alive. Last night we only had 1 person attend. We have thought of ending the group, but we know it is important, so we keep hanging on. I am tired of wearing the target on my back! I am sorry that you also are under attack. So I am with you sister! Let’s do this! Let’s all commit to doing our God-sized Dreams no matter what, and praying each other through. Jesus has already overcome the devil. We just need to show him that we know the power of Jesus Christ is with us! I will commit to praying for this group of God-sized Dreamers. Please also pray for me and our small group. This post was so greatly needed today. Thanks for the encouragement, Christine!
Of course, Janet! Will absolutely be praying for you and the small group.
My heart so needed this post today, friend. Thank you for your powerful encouragement!!
Thank you, Holley. : )
Oh, Christine! You said so many things that spoke directly to my heart! First off, I had a terrible week last week {spiritual slump, as I call it}, and I love the encouragement to press on and to call it what it is, the enemy at work. Second, to do what we are called out to do, to encourage and help each other up. And last, thank you for reminding us that we can never speak too much God! There are times I feel people look at me like “not again,” because all I want to do is pread His love, His examples, His word, and everything having to do with Him. I have a need to include Him into almost every conversation I have! Thank you so much for the much needed encouragement this morning.
Beatriz, I am right there with you! I’ve had people flat out tell me to stop talking about Jesus, but I think about Luke 19:40 – the rocks might cry out if I tried to keep quiet about Him – ha!
I’m with you Christine – standing strong and shining the Light of Jesus!
Thanks, Laura!!
YES!! Let’s do this thing!! Powerful powerful post, LOVE it!!
I know you’re in, friend!! : )
Christine,
I know your fear,but I know your fierceness is bigger. Standfast girl, because we are the army rising. In His Name, for on our own we are weak and frail and fragile. Preach, my ride-or-die friend, PREACH!
Love you warrior,
Chelle
Chelle, there’s nobody I’d rather sit next to in the bunker than you, friend!!
Your words today — funny and strong and true! We will stand firm with you, and battle the enemy. together. You’re one of the bravest and boldest people I know, and if this is you cowed, I can’t even *imagine* what you’re like when you aren’t under attack. Love you!
Thanks, sweet friend!!
Wooohooo! Let’s blow his cover! I like the sound of that!
Glad you’re here, Amy!! : )
Oh Christine! First the words on your blog, and now on this post are speaking to me – amen and amen!! I have gotten to the point where I know as soon as we kick an outreach into high gear, to expect the attacks. This Christmas every single person on my team was getting hit – by illness, death, problems with finances, co-workers on the attack, family rifts….you name it, the enemy was bringing it on. In my own life, as so often happens in the course of these types of things, my son’s depression and anxiety kicked up a notch to divert my attention. But each team member knew – we were on the right track and something MIGHTY would be happening to further the kingdom because satan was fighting against it so very hard!! Praying is so essential, and agreement in prayer with others is a life line. “It might not be easy or pretty. You might get battered. But if not us, then who?” So true!! The target is there. And we may take hits. But if God is for us, who can be against us.??
Well, well, well…I’m set to have a discussion with someone this evening about a project God has been laying on my heart for 2 years now. A community garden sponsored by my church with the crops going to the local food bank. And plans have just begun for our major Spring outreach which will see about 200 volunteers doing service projects for 15-20 local organizations. And I just got off the phone with my attorney to discover that I’ve lost the case with my ex-husband and will be forced to sell my home. And it needs to be put on the market in the next 10 days. Anyone think that timing is a coincidence? I think not! A new friend gave me this verse “Acts 17:26 – “And He determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so men would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us””. I ask that you would all pray for this target I’m wearing, that this move will be under His hand from start to finish and that nothing will stop the work He has called us to do!
Oh, Toni, praying, friend. And nope, not a coincidence at all. And regarding the lost court case, I hold fast to this, it may seem like the enemy has won this battle (and yes, maybe other prior ones as well…) but, oh friend, we know the end to this story, and he LOSES the war. It might not seem like that is what’s happening when all around is so chaotic, but it is true. GOD WINS. ALWAYS. God will use all of this for good. Your whole story. And it will bring Him so much glory one day. Cling to Him. We will be praying for you. Love you, friend.
And I think Ashley’s comment below is for you too!! : )
This is a power packed punch at the enemy and the amazing way that we are so blind to him. Its funny how it seems ok to doubt ourselves as long as we believe we aren’t doubting God…when in reality many times the self doubt is really an excuse not to act, not to advance, and not to pursue the path God has set within our hearts. I know I have fallen victim to this scheme of the enemy most of my life. “Is this God? or is it just my idea?” well that sidelines me a lot, and keeps me from stepping out in faith. Perhaps many times for the believer..that dream and hope in your heart is really the avenue God sheds light on the course He has chartered for us to undertake…So many times we believe we couldn’t possibly be on the same page…but maybe we are because He has written all our pages…Thanks friend!
It’s so easy to fall victim to it!! But then when your eyes are open, it’s like, WOW!!! Love your words here!! : )
Definitely a powerful, ‘Must share” post!! I’m 2 days late reading it due to illness, but WOW lady, this was AWESOME!!! Thank you so much for yielding to the Holy Spirit & sharing this!!! Powerful, powerful!! ♥
Hope you’re feeling better, Satin!!
My first reaction to this was, “Preach it, sister!” 🙂 Love this! As one who knows that Satan’s ultimate will is to see me defeated and thus, Christ’s glorious plan defeated, I can attest to much of what you said in this post. I have often heard it said that when God is getting ready to do something mighty in the life of one of His children, Satan kicks up his attacks a notch…or three. I too have many fears and this is where Satan has kept me down. kept the fullness of my dreams at bay. The time is coming though, and soon, when he will no longer be able to hold back this strong, fierce daughter-of-God. Thank you so much for this post! It was invigorating!
OH, if this isn’t the TRUTH!! Yes, those times don’t totally get me down the way they used to b/c I know what God has coming behind it is just AWESOME!!!
I am the donut eater…I go for false comfort when I’m tired, lonely, afraid. And while I can write this off as innocent enough, I know. I know I am ignoring my terrible deep absolute need for God. I am covering fear with food. But, wait…we serve the almighty, all-powerful God. In fact He dwells within and Satan is no match for Him. Thank you Christine…I NEED THIS REMINDER EVERY DAY! Oh I feel the Angel Armies…they’re swirling round protecting us as we proclaim the Truth, “Perfect Love Casts Out Fear.”
Yes!!! I loved this!!! As we speak up and share what God is showing us share, we overcome! Revelations 12:11 “And they {us} overcame him {satan} by the blood of the Lamb and by the words of their testimony”.
Rams jerseys china with lowest price and easy returns service.
My husband and I took another couple hits from the devil this week. The last comment above about Knicks Jerseys may have been from God, because I was notified of the comment, I went back to this post and read it again. I needed to be reminded of this again! Reading the other ladies’ comments helped even more. Isn’t the internet cool? I would never have thought of reading this post again on my own. Thanks God! Thanks Christine!