Yesterday, I had a tough day. A good day, but full of work to be done. I had so many things that really needed to get done that day. And when they really need to get done, God provides the opportunity to get it all done. However, as much as God filled me up that day (lots of quality time…and enjoyable time with Lewis, great naps times for Hannah, the energy to get it all done, and good behavior on the part of the kiddos), I STILL had a tough time with my thoughts at the end of the day. I could tell I was worn out…and the Enemy started to knock. I am thankful though…because I am starting to see where the Enemy tries to get me. I can see my areas of weakness by the ways Satan tries to tempt me. So, really it is his lost battle! Because, now I know and I am going to seek the Lord’s will even harder in those areas of my life. You see, he fumbled by being SO obvious as to where I struggle. You see, even when we are tempted and struggle in the battle, God can still use it for our good! There is really nothing that can separate us from his love.
Yesterday, the Enemy tempted me to think that I am just a workhorse. He told me that I just exist to clean up messes, do the dishes, clean and fold clothes, clean the house, cook meals (constantly!), and to meet everyone else’s needs. He tempted me to think that the Lord would not meet my needs. I felt like I was going to run out of steam and that everything was going to suck the life out of me. With my husband gone a lot here, I often have to carry the extra weight. And some days it feels like a heavy burden. BUT, I KNEW these thoughts were not from the Lord…and that they would not lead me anywhere good or beneficial. I also KNEW how to fight the thought battle! I said, out loud, “I am very worthy unto you Lord. I will not run out of steam because YOU fill me up. I know I am the daughter of a KING and the work you give me to do is glorifying unto you. I also know you have a GRAND purpose for me to fill…but even the little things I do to glorify you bring you joy and honor.” I felt my spirit lift instantaneously. The Enemy had lost the battle. I CHOSE to not dwell on those thoughts (no matter how convincing they seem at the time) and replace them with Scripture-based thoughts. I couldn’t think of actual Scripture verses at the time (I often cannot when I am overwhelmed with emotion…), but I spoke words I knew were Scripture-based and I literally felt Satan flee from me. Isn’t that an incredible feeling? The Lord is ready to help. He will fight the battle for us…we don’t have to fight the Enemy and his ways. All we have to do is cling to His word and to HIM. He knows it is overwhelming for us. That is why He tells us that He will carry us through it (this is all over the Bible!).
I am learning that to really be a STRONG woman is to recognize how really weak I am and then rely on the Lord for EVERY SINGLE thing. As I have learned to do that, I become stronger and stronger. It is the opposite of what the world will tell you. But, I know it to be true for my life. I know how weak I am, and His power is made PERFECT in my weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9) His GRACE is sufficient for me! The more I surrender, the more His grace becomes sufficient for me. I am so thankful.
Fight the battle fellow warrior princesses 🙂 Watch the Enemy flee. Remember, your battle is with the Enemy, not anyone else. Just focus on the Lord and keep your eyes on Him and do what He tells you to do. He will take care of the rest. I love that. It is simple enough for little me 🙂
Walking in Faith 