The battle has been fierce lately. I can almost see the swords flashing beyond The Veil.
Temptation stalking. Wanting me to go back to my old patterns. To give up the ground I have gained in recent months.
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)
Like a roaring lion? Not a silent one?
Interesting. Most predators stalk their prey in silence. But a roaring lion announces his presence… loudly. Hoping his prey will be rattled into panic mode? Immobilized with fear so it is more easily overcome?
“I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.” (2 Corinthians 2:10b-11)
Sometimes You, Lord — The Almighty! — come in a small whisper.
“The Lord said, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.’ Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it… he went out and stood… Then a Voice said to him: ‘What are you doing here?'” (1 Kings 19:11-13)
You whisper. The enemy ROARS. Even then, Lord, You are GREATER!!!
“… Every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God… You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:3a,4)
Sometimes, I feel like I’m treading water in a stormy sea. Trying to keep my head up. But the undertow is strong, pulling me down. And my strength is running out.
In the absence of a lifeboat, floating is the only answer. Leaning back and looking up. Giving up my striving. Escaping the undertow. Resting above it, as the water now holds me up.
This is what You whispered to me this morning, Abba. As I heard the enemy roar. As my legs grew tired of my treading.
Reminding me that The Answer is not in more striving. The Answer is in more surrender.
“The Lord… was appalled that there was no one to intervene; so His own arm achieved salvation for Him, and His own righteousness sustained Him. He put on righteousness as His breastplate; and the helmet of salvation on His head; He put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped Himself in zeal as in a cloak. According to what they have done, so will He repay wrath to His enemies and retribution to His foes…” (Isaiah 59:16-18)
The very salvation You give us, Lord. By Your arm extended in grace; not by our striving to merit Your notice.
The very armor You give us, Lord. So we can take our stand… and stand our ground. Knowing we are never alone.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” (Ephesians 6:10)
“Resist [the devil], standing firm in the faith, because You know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” (1 Peter 5:9)
“‘… no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from Me,’ declares the Lord.” (Isaiah 54:17)
Small steps taken in the right direction produce great results. Small steps. Small victories.
One choice at a time.
Floating tonight,
Abba’s Girl