Hello my friend. I hope today finds you well. However, if you are going through a trial, or are struggling in some way, know that you've just been prayed for. As I sat down in front of the computer I asked the Lord to bless and meet the needs of each person that would read this blog. That is YOU!!!! God's love for you is incredible. Please never downplay who you are in God's eyes.
I feel really, really good about what you are about to read. (Probably because I didn't write it!) It comes from a kindred spirited friend who lives in the upper northwest corner of the United States. I always enjoy reading Kim's thoughts, but last night when I came across her latest journal entry I felt it was exceptionally good. The spiritual truth and life lesson that comes from it is both honest, real and one that we can easily relate to. I asked Kim for permission to re-post her entry and was happy that permission was granted. In a few moments you are going to be glad, too. I also kind of like the idea of having a "guest blogger." I hope this will be the start of something new from time to time.
God's blessings and read on! :)
Kim's Journal Entry
Yesterday's weather was so nice that when I took the dogs out, I left the doors open. I went back inside for a brief moment to get my book, so I could sit under my favorite tree's shade and read for just a bit.
Suddenly Bayki ran inside all wound up and excited as if he'd seen a ghost. Bo~Cephas was not beside him and that made me nervous. So I ran to the door and lo and behold, there was Bo~Cephas, trying to squeeeeeeze his way through the iron porch railings. What in the world? I started to laugh as he is such a big Oaf, and trying to fit his big head through the rails is like trying to put a grape through the eye of a needle. But he seemed both determined and desperate. I had wondered if maybe that bad ol' coyote showed its face again and scared him? So I tried to physically show him the way to go, by walking the path for him to see, myself. And that's when I saw it.
There at the bottom of the landings stair, was the culprit of his fear. A menacing snake. And it wasn't budging. So I went over to Bo~Cephas and I lifted him over the railings barrier that stood in his way to refuge. I held him in my arms and laid his feet back down on safe ground at the door where he didn't have to fear that mean old snakes bite. And when I set him high enough above that snake, his perspective seemed to change. Suddenly he was no longer afraid, but FIERCE! He barked at the bully who just moments before struck him with fear and desperation, as if to say, "You can't touch me now! My Mommas here! So FLEE!"
I went to grab a stick to prod it away but when I came back, the snake was gone. Not gonna lie, not sure which was more unsettling, seeing him or not seeing him and wondering where he went?
When I came back in the house, God gave me a picture in my mind. I sat and mulled it over with Him. In the scriptures, the enemy of our souls peace is often seen as "A serpent. A snake. A viper." His venom threatens to sting us causing us to feel as though we are fighting for our lives. He mocks us and torments us with fear, and like Bo~Cephas, leaves us desperate for a safe refuge that barriers seem to stand in the way of.
Life's circumstances often feel like that scene. All we want is to climb up the steps that lead to the comfort and safety of 'home', yet something stands in the way. And it taunts us. It mocks us with jeers. It depletes us of peace. And it inflicts us with fear. And we act out in desperation. But just as I was listening for Bo~Cephas's cries, God is listening to ours, on the other side of that torment. And when we call out to Him, He HEARS! HE comes to US. HE lifts us and holds us close to Him in His arms. HE carries us to safe refuge and sets our feet high above the "serpents" (circumstances) where we no longer need to fear, but simply trust. And then HE strengthens us to confront our accuser, that we can command him to "Flee!"
I don't know what your circumstance is today. I don't know what is taunting you or accusing you or mocking you. I don't know what is robbing you of your peace. But God does. He knows your fear. He sees your desperation. And He longs to deliver you, if only you trust Him for this day. His love for you will reach over every barrier, and will lift you unto Himself and He will carry you. Cry out to Him. He wants to set you free! To put your feet on higher ground that you too, be strengthened to look your accuser in the eye and with bold confidence command him to "Go!"
While your circumstance may not change over night, your perspective will! When you know your Heavenly Father is by your side, what once tormented you now looks small. And it's bite? Not so venomous after all. Even if it lingers a bit longer, your fear will not. And the tormentor takes its cue to leave once it sees the fear has.
BE strengthened!
Be FIERCE!
"Jesus replied, 'I saw Satan fall like lightening from heaven. I have given YOU authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to OVERCOME all the power of the enemy; Nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven!" ~Luke 10:18-20
"For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation." ~Psalm 91:11-16
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