“I don’t know all of those who are reading this, nor do you know me. But God knows each of our hearts intimately and I will be praying He whispers words of comfort to each of you in your struggles. Hold tight to Jesus and He will hold tight to you. He promised.” – ‘A’
Thank you for your encouraging words to us all. While “A” chooses to be incognito, she is my sweet writer friend from across country. Kjersten, buddy, hang in there. I know your life is so hard right now. I am so grateful you know Christ as you do. God is mindful of your sorrows and puts your tears in a bottle. That bottle is precious to Him.
Michelle, don’t know why the comment you posted “disappeared” before I had a chance to read it. Thanks for sharing your heart with me personally Monday night. To the rest of you who have sent comments to me privately over the last few days, thank you so much. God has been so gracious to me in so many ways even since Friday. Circumstances haven’t changed but He’s settled down my heart the way only He can do. I am awed and humbled by His kindness to me.
Only God could have orchestrated the circumstances in my life presently, and the lessons He’s been teaching me, to coincide with my Monday night Bible study—BELIEVING GOD by Beth Moore. How I’ve needed the sweet fellowship that transpires when women choose to study the Word together. I know you men have your own version, praise God. In light of what I shared in last Friday’s blog and God’s gracious TLC to me throughout the weekend, I want to share that His comfort seemed to culminate through the gathering of our study group on Monday. Or so I thought it had, until I just returned from breakfast with another Christian writing friend here in town. We talked and talked about God’s faithfulness to each of us and all He was doing in our lives.
Monday night, transitioning from a time of discussion to listening to Beth’s message, we had our usual brief time of prayer. So many ladies were struggling though, we prayed a little longer than time would normally allow. We each sensed God was doing something special and we didn’t want to miss it. How that time of prayer prepared our hearts, my heart perhaps most of all, to receive what God had to teach us. While the whole message seemed to be one of those designed “just for me,” there’s one simple but powerful point Beth made that struck me deeply:
God never gives Satan permission to defeat us.
I know that we who are in Christ are to live victoriously. Not because we “should,” but because we are victorious if we have in fact put our faith in Jesus Christ. We just need to walk in this. I understand that if I put on the full armor of God, I will be able to defeat all the fiery darts of the enemy. Not by myself—never by myself—but by the power of the Holy Spirit in me. I also know that God does not tempt anyone but may at times allow the enemy to tempt us to strengthen our faith and test our hearts. These are familiar truths to me that I am ever mindful of.
And yet, I’m not sure it’s ever soaked in to the core of my being that while Satan may have permission to test me, even sift me as wheat, he never, EVER has permission to defeat me. Ever. So if I’m feeling defeated, if I’ve been defeated (as I was feeling a bit on Friday), there’s a breakdown between me and God. And if I look hard enough, chances are, I’ll discover this sense of defeat is rooted in unbelief. I can shout from the mountain tops all day long that I do, too, believe God and all He says, but if I’m walking in defeat—in fear, insecurity, hopelessness, etc, I’ve forgotten something about His character, something about His love and good plans for me. Defeat is never God’s will for me. Let me say it again. God never gives Satan permission to defeat us.
Is it any wonder God keeps talking to me 24/7 these days about believing Him, not just believing in Him?
I can’t pinpoint a specific moment when things started to change for me since Friday. I know that even by the time I finished my blog, the heaviness had lifted some. Because during my writing of it, I was remembering God’s faithfulness, though I wasn’t feeling exactly chipper. Then I wrote those verses out at the end and gained greater strength.
Walking in truth is a choice. Walking in joy is a choice. Praising God, even if we don’t feel like it is a choice. God is always worthy of our praise because of Who He Is. He has no problem with us running to Him and pouring out our hearts about the circumstances that are scaring us to death and breaking our hearts. In fact, He welcomes it! All He asks from us is that we believe He is Who He says He is in the middle of the crisis.
I know that I must fight for what God has shown me lately. I must guard this wisdom He’s given me as a treasured possession. Most of us are not fighting physical enemies as the Israelites did in Old Testament days, but we are fighting formidable enemies just the same. Whatever may be robbing you today of your joy, your peace, your security, your hope, this is your formidable enemy. Remember, God is bigger and He wants to give you and me victory. Sometimes you just have to fight for it harder than others.
For me, this is one of those times. I already see evidence in my life that it’s gonna be so worth it when this season of testing is over. Yep, I’m seeing good things happening already!
Blessings all!
Therefore 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. (Ephesians 6:14)
I shared this with many friends today – I think there are such important truths to remember here.. God is really blessing us through what He is showing you…
Gayle,
I’m excited to hear you sensed the presence of God Monday evening in our prayer time too! I was in such awe that I couldn’t even speak out loud I was just soaking in His presence! Even now 48 hours later I sense His presence in a way I have never really had before! It is a joy to get to know you and read your thoughts! Thank you! ~ Michelle
Gayle, God is GOOD. 🙂 Not that I’m reminding you of anything you don’t already know. He’s faithful to give us the boost when we need it and the kick in the seat when we need that, too. 🙂
Love,
A (I’m Allison, but it’s always easier to just type the A. 🙂 )