Are you in a battle?
Health, relationships, finances, grief, addiction...
We are constantly in a war with Satan who wants to rob us of a life filled with promises and hope.
Most people don't think of life as a spiritual battle, but it is very real. There is an enemy that is the complete opposite of God. We are told in Job 1:7 that Satan roams the earth. His desire is to keep us from praying or looking to God for anything. He loves it when we get discouraged, or ask for something in prayer that does not get answered our way. He wants us to question God's authority, power, and wisdom.
I feel like I am in a battle. Satan is constantly trying to rob me of my health and energy. Lately, he has put out all the stops. It is a battle than can only be won with God on my side. When I am under attack, I remind myself that Satan is the author of fear and discouragement. It is God's purpose to give abundance in all areas of my life.
"The thief's purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness." John 10:10.
The only way to fight off our enemy is to arm ourselves with God's Word and have a prayerful relationship with Him. Even when you are tempted, don't give in. Ask for God's protection and direction, and share your struggle with friends who can prayerfully partner with you.
I know some really amazing women who are very strong in their fight. I think that breast cancer brings out the best of us when we have to use all of our strength to get better. I see this battle all the time, and I am inspired in my own fight when I see others surviving and thriving. I think that women are given a very special amount of strength to run a household and deal with all the darts that are thrown at us. This writing from Stasi Eldredge really caught my attention this week:
Women are often portrayed in stories and tales as the "Damsel in Distress." We are the ones for whom men rise up and slay dragons. We are the "weaker sex"; said to faint at the sight of blood, needing to be spared the gory details of battle whether on the field or in the market place. We are the ones waiting in our flowing gowns for the knight to come and carry us away on the back of his white horse. And yes. There are days when a knight in shining armor would be most welcome. We do long to be fought for; loved enough to be courageously protected. But there is a mighty fierceness set in the heart of women by God. It is true to who we are and what we are created to do.
Women are warriors too.
Redeemed women of God have tender, merciful hearts, backbones of steel and hands that have been trained for battle. There is something incredibly fierce in the heart of a woman that is to be contended with, not dismissed, not disdained, but recognized, honored, welcomed and trained.
If you are in a personal battle, share it with others and get on your knees. God wants to restore you to a place where you are closer to him and walking in trust and faith.
Blessings,
Sandy
