i like posting what i am currently learning because it helps me process. and i also like to give God an opportunity to encourage others through what he's teaching me. if you don't want to know personal things about me, then stop reading. :)
i am currently processing through a break up. i am such an analyzer. so naturally, i have been analyzing. i have been thinking back over my past relationships and comparing each outcome. i like to know why.
i realized that each of my serious relationships [although pretty low in number] have ended quite similarly. although each one feels very different. i used to think that this meant all guys were the same. but if that's true then how does any relationship work? i came to this lovely realization that the common factor in each of these endings/issues/outcomes is me.
during the few months leading to the end of each of my relationships there have been some similar feelings.... 1. i don't feel pursued anymore. 2. i am living in fear and i feel the need to control. 3. there is a lot of conflict present. 4. i become distant, undisciplined and complacent in my walk with the Lord.
Here's the thing i came to realize in a real way for the first time today. satan is hard at work in our world. now that is something i have definitely known for years. but did i actually believe it? my actions certainly did not show that i did.
i cannot just walk through life with no discipline and just rely on the fact that I'm a Christian and that I love Jesus. Because I really do. more and more daily. but this is a battle. i have everything i need in Christ for life and for Godliness. but i have to fight for it. daily. if i give satan even a millimeter of room he will move in. satan comes to steal, kill and destroy. if i leave space for him in my life, he will go quickly to work at trying to steal it and destroy it.
satan knows where i am weak. and that's exactly where he attacks. he sneaks in like a thief in the night. but i am not powerless against him, praise God!
whether i am dating my future husband or not or even if i am single satan still attacks. and if i do nothing to combat him, he can destroy my relationship, my very life. and i hate that i have ever let him.
But the good news is that Jesus has already won! and he lives in me! the same power that conquered death lives in me.
The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still. [exodus 14:14] God will fight for me. But I have to let him.
God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.
Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out. [ephesians 6:10-18 message]
i loved both the message and the new living translation so i included both.
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
[ephesians 6:10-18 nlt]
i will fight the good fight.
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