Have you ever wondered why people attack you? Do you feel like you have extra trials? Are you having trouble in your relationships? Do you feel depressed? These issues can all be related together by the issue of spiritual warfare. As the apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:12- "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. "Often times we are attacked because people are attacking God. They do this without knowing the deeper issue. This can especially happen when we seek to step out for God, and in our serving God, or doing the work of God, attack will come our way. And in these times, we can let ourselves feel beaten down and frustrated, or we can walk in the light of God (John 1:9- "The true light, which enlightens everyone...").
We need to understand that Satan is real and trying to disrupt our lives; Satan is trying to keep us from the joy of the Lord. In his book "The Screwtape Letters," C. S. Lewis talks about this attempt to derail our lives from God. It is a wonderful rendering of the deceitful ways in which Satan tries to blind us to the reality of how beneficial it is to live in the love and presence of God, instead of following the ways of the world. As Satan attacked Eve so deceitfully, he seeks to confuse and disorient us into letting the temptations of the world and trials of life overwhelm us.
When we walk in the light, we put ourselves in a place to have the armor of God available to us: "13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."
We are called to stand firm in what God gives to us. When we live in this way, we can live in the joy of the Lord as we know that we are strengthened by our faith, our righteousness (which comes to us by Christ), the Bible, our salvation, and prayer. We can indeed overcome the struggles of life, and learn to enjoy life in the midst of life's difficulties.
1 comment:
Valerie says-
The Bible uses numbers often, so we need to be aware of numbers in our lives. Several months, maybe even years ago I received an email about how angels communicate, through numbers. When you see a series of 3 consecutive numbers they mean something.
It said these numbers can appear most anywhere, addresses, phone numbers and license plates to name a few. I began noticing these numbers, but truly never really thought anything of it.
As you are aware the past several weeks, months, okay years have been a bit of a challenge. Through faith and pure perserverance I made it through. Or so I thought.
I'll only go back a month or so. Mid April, Sunday - coming home from beach, here comes the apt manager to inform me the 60 day notice I received 45 days ago (that we thought was rescended) is valid and my last day is April 30th.
Following weekend. Where am I going to live, can't live with mom cuz dad is sick and needs quiet. Laura, no too many kids and too many cats. Oh my God... Bryan? Yep, that's where we landed. Right behind a busy gay & lesbian club.
So on I went... The Finally!!!
Memorial day weekend! Oh poor Chaela she has fever and stomach flu - me? Mother Nature AGAIN!!!
Monday morning Memorial Day. Tuesday go to work, notice a car with 666 on license plate. Hmmmmmmmmmmm I think. Next morning I notice another car with 666... "if this happens again, something is not right. I missed my exit and was late picking up Chaela. A stalled car? Nope big ol black suburban. Saw her license plate and what were the last 3 numbers? Yep, 666! Oh my. Here comes the tears. That's it, that's all I can take! Break down time. Pull over and Cry. (2nd time today - must be about dad- maybe- who has cancer!)
This is where it started... "I don't have anymore energy to deal with one more thing!" and on it went... Wait! God loves me. I start arguing audibly with the dark guy! Let him know emphatically that my soul belongs to Christ and no matter what is thrown at me I won't give up!" Tears are pouring and words are coming out fast. I realize I'm getting close to the exit so I pull it together. Just then I see a license plate with 4PVZ911. My heart is lifted and it immediately comes to me... For prayer Valerie Zaragoza 911. I start laughing and know from here on out I have no real worries.
A few days later I try calling a friend to tell her. The dark guy was none too happy. The call dropped 3 times. I'm telling my friend the story as the Police Officer pulls me over "I'll call you back" I say. Meanwhile the officer is telling me I'm going to loose my car. Because I was so excited I won the warfare the car thing didn't concern me. My tags have not been legal since June of 2006. I should have had my car taken months ago. Well, I go off with a warning after explaining the past few months to the officer, in one sentence I might add
Lesson well learned! DON'T MAKE DECISION FROM EMOTIONS, MAKE THEM FROM WISDOM!!! Today I know I am capable of so much more than I ever gave myself credit for. I chose to write this because I wanted to share a very real thing.
I look forward to the rest of my life and the many blessing I know are waiting for me. I know my battles are not finished, but I know I can overcome them in Christ and be all the better for them!
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