John 10:10 "A thief comes only to kill, steal, and destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance."
I am learning so much from God's word as I work through my latest bible study, "Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed" by Priscilla Shirer, Beth Moore, and Kay Arthur. The past two weeks have been focused on 'the anointing.' What an awesome thought...I AM ANOINTED! From the day of my salvation I was anointed just like David was. Anointed to fulfill the calling God has on my life...in this stage...wife to my precious husband Ray, nurse to my sweet children at CHKD that are sick, and friend to all my dear friends God has blessed me with! Some days, like today, just seem as though I don't have much purpose; nothing BIG to do for God today. My heart was discouraged and frustrated as I attempted to clean bathrooms, paint the study, do laundry, pay bills, and THINK. My thoughts drifted off to... look at all the mess in your house, you are such a slob, your husband surely doesn't appreciate the mess, you never do anything right, your so forgetful, fearful, and you used to be able to prioritize in college, but things have really gotten out of hand, you didn't even spend time with the Lord this morning, how are you going to grow and be what you want to be if you can't even spend a few minutes in your Bible, you lack so much confidence now, you seem so insecure, your life just has no purpose...and the vicious cycle has continued all day. Now, I know in my heart that all these things are LIES from the ENEMY trying to steal my joy, kill my passion, and destroy my purpose. But when push comes to shove, I am STUCK, stuck in this thought pattern of fear and frustration. Today was one of those days that I just couldn't shake it...the feeling was strong and the Enemy was prowling. Though I wasn't ready for the attack I grabbed my Bible and God is fighting for me!
I opened my Bible study and the title for today was: "OPPOSITION TO THE ANOINTING"
WOW! Exactly what I need to hear.... (I will use some quotes from the study)
"Once we are saved, our enemy cannot destroy us, but he will work hard to distract us." And that is exactly what he has attempted to do today...But the day is not over yet!
"Instead of tapping into God's divine empowering to live the abundant life promised in Scripture, they seek to live in their own power and strength detached form the lifeline of God within. This leaves them feeling depleted, frustrated, and less capable of handling the Enemy's attacks." WOW again! This was me....trying to do it on my own again. I can't fight this battle without my armor, the Word, and Christ!
1 Peter 5:8
"Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour!"
1 Chronicles 14:8
"When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, they went up in full force to search for him, but David heard about it and WENT OUT TO MEET THEM."
David never cowered away, he operated in God's strength...His trust was deeply rooted in his God! "I encourage you, sister, to stand your ground, look the Enemy in the eye, and walk in full confidence that he is already defeated and your victory guaranteed." Yes! Yes! This is exactly what I must do! Satan, you have no power...it was all lost at the cross of my Savior! You have no part of me! I can stand firm in FAITH in a powerful, almighty, omnipotent Creator! Hes got it!!
Today I was encouraged to refresh my journey of confident faith in God's Word as my SOLID FOUNDATION!
2 Cor 2:14 "Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place."
Romans 8:37 "In all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us."
1 Cor 15:57-58 "Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord."
"YOU ARE A VICTORIOUS OVERCOMER, COMPLETELY CAPABLE BY GOD'S SPIRIT WITHIN YOU TO STAND AGAINST THE ATTACKS OF THE ENEMY. ARM YOURSELF FOR BATTLE, MEET HIM ON THE FIELD OF PLAY, AND TRUST THE LORD FOR YOUR DELIVERANCE FROM YOUR ALREADY-BEATEN FOE!"
