God is so powerful. Tonight, I've thought about how many times I've probably missed out on something God was trying to tell me, simply because I was too caught up in something else, or being disobedient. This weekend, he has really shown me things and allowed my ears to hear things that needed to be heard. Sometimes, the words we hear aren't necessarily what we want to hear, but need to hear.
This week, specifically this weekend, has been pretty trying emotionally and mentally. I found myself questioning God about some things. It occurred to me that since rededicating my life to Christ in February, I have had stones cast at me from all directions. You know the stones I'm referring to...heartache, feelings of insufficiency, worry, pain, grief, turmoil (insert anything here that fits those categories!)
Friday evening, I talked to God for a long time and just couldn't understand why, after having committed to God in full rededication, I would be having more trials than before! I couldn't wrap my heart and mind around God allowing these things to come into my life, my family, my home, my career, when I'm the closest to God relationally that I've been in quite some time. I am immersed in his word daily, I pray sometimes what feels like hours, and I am trying to follow his will more closely than ever! My walk with God is intimate and real and my mind was struggling with all of the bends in the road I've come to lately.
Tonight's sermon at Maple Springs, helped me understand what my heart has been so desperately needing to hear. I know that it was one I was meant to hear. One verse, finally brought some light to the darkness I've been feeling. John 10:10.
Most of us know the verse about the "thief". He comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. The thief, in this scripture isn't talking about a robber or a burglar, but Satan himself. When you think of a robber or a burglar, you think of them coming into your home and taking something valuable from you. Maybe it's your prized big screen, your favorite gaming system, a computer...anything worthy of value. Like a thief, Satan doesn't want to "steal" anything of no value to him. Hence the reason why it feels that non believers or people not in a personal relationship with Christ, live seemingly easy lives. They don't have many "bumps" in the road. They go about their daily routine pretty smoothly.
Before rededicating my life to Christ, but still yet a Christian, life did seem a little less "rocky". I didn't have a lot being thrown my direction and I didn't feel like anything was necessarily being stolen or taken from me. Maybe that is because Satan had already taken what was valuable. He had pulled me away from God and he was done. He had what he wanted and had moved on to make someone else's life empty and desolate.
But then it happened. I got his attention like the prey creeping in front of the predator, thinking it is going unnoticed. When I re dedicated my life to God, I suddenly caught his attention. I had something of value to him again. I had a stronger relationship than ever, with nonetheless,his enemy. Satan is like the robber and thief. He only patronizes those who he needs to pull from Christ. He creeps in without notice and begins to prod into my life, my family, my career, my relationship with God. He throws situations at me that will try to break my faith, silence my praise, corrupt my walk, break my heart.
It all made perfect sense after tonight. I am going through all of these things not because God is putting me through them, but because I have something of value to the Devil. I have what he wants.
I write all of this, to say, if you feel that your joy has been stolen from you, or you are being ambushed from all directions, maybe it's because you need a relationship with God, but maybe it's because your relationship with God and your testimony is great enough and valuable enough that Satan wants to destroy it. Don't let him.
Knowing all of this, also know the second half to John 10:10...."I am come that they may live life and that they may live it more abundantly." God is more powerful than Satan. Cling to him. Don't let the Devil and his arrows he's shooting at you, be the kill shot. Put on the armor of God and live life joyfully and trust that he will protect and defend you from the foe!