Earlier this week, I was beginning to hear the enemy speaking lies over me. Telling me that I’m not enough, not a good mom, will never have a ministry again, will never make friends, etc. He was breathing down my neck at every turn. Like a faithful Father, the Lord immediately began to give me reminder after reminder of times when He had previously met my needs. Then He reminded me about a box I keep in my closet. In that box I have every written word I have received. I also have cards of thanks or encouragement that others have written to me. Years ago, my husband encouraged me to begin to collect all those things. It’s further evidence of how well he knows me. He knew I would need to be reminded of them at one time or another. He loves me well, and I am confident he got the idea from my Father. It was that Father Who was using this to remind me of who I am once again this week, by helping me focus on how far I’ve come and using that momentum to keep moving forward.
I know I’ve mentioned this a lot, but it’s so important to remember His promises. It’s also so important to keep those words in front of you as you walk through life. We are all human, and it’s so easy for us to get distracted and lose focus. Remember the Israelites, they seemed to constantly need reminding of who they were and Who took care of them. When I read through Exodus, it’s easy to begin to feel frustrated with their behavior, that is, until I realize that I am the same. We are all the same. It takes a lot of reminding for us to stay focused and not lose course.
God’s not mad about it, but He will work with you to help move past this tossing back and forth. The enemy may never stop trying to speak negativity over you, but God can equip you with an awareness so strong that you are not bothered by it anymore. In fact, when the enemy begins to tell me I won’t lead worship again, I laugh. Out loud. When he says I won’t make friends, I laugh. Seriously. I laugh at the lies and it diminishes their power over me.
I hear the negative, defeating words, but I don’t respond to him. Now, I only use the negative words to heighten and strengthen my walk with Abba. Now when the enemy tries to defeat me, I use it to do the opposite. How’s that for paying him back for his tricks?!
I promise if you begin to do this too, then you will find the path becoming much easier and you will begin to feel stronger and more secure in His love.
So, I will circle back around to this again. Take some time today and remember the promises. If you have any written words of encouragement, then take a look at them and let your heart begin to feel strengthened. Use them as a catalyst for joy and hope. If the enemy is constantly trying to speak lies to you, then you can rest assured God is wanting to move in your life. He wouldn’t worry with you if you were of no threat. But on the other hand, don’t go looking for trouble. If your life is peaceful, then enjoy that!! Everyone needs seasons of rest. No matter what season you find yourself in, rejoice!!
For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11
The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for He knows their day is coming. Psalm 37:12-13
365 Days in the Presence 