"The Name of the Lord is
a strong tower
the righteous run into
and are safe!"
Proverbs 18:10
Oh! It was non-stop alright! I was up most of the night before, praying for a dear friend. She had a trying day. I could see it on her face. She was weary and God put it on my heart to pray that she'd have a good night's rest. I can only surmise that as I prayed for her, that same enemy turned in my direction and attacked me, full force! With little sleep, I woke up uncomfortable, unrested, sore in my body and the enemy knew it!
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
As I walked Pauly, every defeating thought plummeted my mind. I choose not to repeat them here, so as not to go through the entire conversation again, lest I give an open door for the enemy to step in and attack once more. I had to keep shutting it off! -- shutting it out! -- filling the space in my mind with opposing scripture that would strengthen me.
While in the foxhole, I thought about my goals:
While in the foxhole, I thought about my goals:
-- To connect with God each day
-- To determine His will for me
-- To be found about His business
-- To be in partnership with Him
All things considered, I am certainly on the right track! The devil is a liar! You see, the enemy will lay it on heavy when He sees you making huge strides for God. He wants nothing less than to turn you around. Like a bully, he shouts: "Go Home!"
Not this little soldier!
I'm one tough cookie for God!
I'm not going anywhere!
That's easy to say today -- The firing has stopped for now. I made it through the night. But I do remember this... I made a conscious and deliberate decision last night, to shut out the voice of the enemy and tuck myself under the wings of God! Psalm 17:8b says...
"Hide me in the shadow of your wings. "
I've had time to rest and re-fuel, but already the firing has begun once again. Bombs are dropping here, there and everywhere! Everyone seems to be under attack!
All things considered, I have pulled out my brightest and sparkliest RED shoes. I know some of you might think that's silly. Are you kidding? In times of war, I want GOD to be right in the forefront of my mind. While the enemy is trying his best to make a connection with me -- in order to download his plan of defeat -- I want to be mindful that God has a plan of His own. I can hear Brother Ron Kennoly singing it now...
Who's report will you believe?
We shall believe the report of the Lord!
His report says I am healed.
His report says I am filled.
His report says I'm set free.
His report says VICTORY!
What does His report say for you? That's a unique Word that You, alone, must retrieve yourself from the heart of God. Because here's how it really works...
Sure... 90% of the time, the devil's just trying to do a number on you. He's pulling out all his weaponry to defeat you, discourage you and disillusion you! He just wants you to give up on God!
But that doesn't mean difficult things aren't going to come your way. The other 10% of the time, they do. Trials and tribulations take place. Calamities occur. Things don't always work out the way we want them to for all sorts of reasons. People we love pass away. Some people get sick and are not healed. Friends make choices that don't include God. What we really want at the time, God doesn't always deliver, and we don't understand why.
Yes, tragedy happens with or without God. The difference is this: Without God, you're left hopeless and in despair. With God, you have hope and a future.
Draw close to Him and He will draw close to you. And if He's not answering, know this... He's there. He hears your heart's cry. He's the friend that sticks closer than a brother. If difficulty has come, you can be assured that He will walk through it with you!
Hebrews 6:18-20a says this...
"We who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf.
Enemy fire has quieted itself in my neck of the woods, for the time being, but I'm hunkering down in my foxhole and lifting up prayers for those of you who are still under attack.
God is with you!
Gail
Sure... 90% of the time, the devil's just trying to do a number on you. He's pulling out all his weaponry to defeat you, discourage you and disillusion you! He just wants you to give up on God!
But that doesn't mean difficult things aren't going to come your way. The other 10% of the time, they do. Trials and tribulations take place. Calamities occur. Things don't always work out the way we want them to for all sorts of reasons. People we love pass away. Some people get sick and are not healed. Friends make choices that don't include God. What we really want at the time, God doesn't always deliver, and we don't understand why.
Yes, tragedy happens with or without God. The difference is this: Without God, you're left hopeless and in despair. With God, you have hope and a future.
"For I know the plans I have for you,"
says the Lord
"... to give you hope and a future."
"What's God's Word for you?"
* While you're in the foxhole, why not Ask Him! *
Draw close to Him and He will draw close to you. And if He's not answering, know this... He's there. He hears your heart's cry. He's the friend that sticks closer than a brother. If difficulty has come, you can be assured that He will walk through it with you!
Hebrews 6:18-20a says this...
Enemy fire has quieted itself in my neck of the woods, for the time being, but I'm hunkering down in my foxhole and lifting up prayers for those of you who are still under attack.
God is with you!
Gail
