Overcoming

    There are days when it feels as though we are at war.  At war with our spouse, at war with our kids....  Satan delights in tearing families apart.  If we allow him any type of foothold then we are in big trouble!  The structure of a family models God's plan.  God is the head; he is the bridegroom.  His people are his bride.  In the same way, the husband is the head of the household.  He is told to love his wife as Christ loved the church.  When this is broken, Satan has made headway into our lives.
      There are days it seems as though war rages inside the church body - when quarreling amongst our brothers and sisters in Christ runs fiercely.  "I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought." (1 Corinthians 1:10)  The church is made up of imperfect people.  The only thing that will keep us united is relying on the Lord and seeking out HIS will.
     There are days I battle with myself.  "Why can't I just trust that YOU know what is best, Lord?"  I have to make a conscious effort to push down my own ideas of what is right and how I believe things are "supposed" to be.  "I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord..." (Jeremiah 29:11)
     Last week, during morning devotions with my 4 year old, the topic of Satan came up.  He wanted to know how big Satan is.  "Can he even kill a dinosaur?"  "Satan can't do anything unless God allows him to."  I say this with definite conviction.  But wait.... if I truly believe this, then why do I sometimes fear Satan?  "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear..." (1 John 4:18)  Satan delights in sending distractions to take our eyes off the goal.  When we aren't leaning on God, then we WILL falter.    
     How do we overcome the evil one?  What does this look like?  God is on our side!
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)  
"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.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." (Ephesians 6:13-17)  "...let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet."  (1 Thessalonians 5:8)
         In all of this, I am reminded that through trials and tribulations, good times and bad, we can have peace and joy!  "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7)  "Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." ( 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
     Today I will choose to live in victory!  I will TRUST that the Lord knows best and that he has EVERYTHING in HIS HANDS!  "I praise you Father!  You are ever faithful!  Thank you that you neither leave me nor forsake me.  Build our family on your firm foundation, I pray.  Keep us from Satan's lies.  Give us discernment as parents.  Give us a burning desire to be in your Word, that we will be able to stand firm on it.  Thank you for who you are, Lord God."