Have you ever felt like you jumped from victory to defeat in one fell swoop?
It’s so easy to be strong when things are going smooth. It’s REALLY easy to be strong when it’s someone else’s problem. We know just the right words to say. We can quote just the right scripture. We can even conjure up the perfect cliché. We can be really bold and really brave when it is someone else’s battle.
BUT, when the battle becomes ours – then it’s not quite as easy to put our faith in practice. When the rubber meets the road – the true strength of our relationship with Christ comes into focus. It’s then time to put some feet to our faith.
I should have seen it coming. I should have been a little more aware of the potential for attack. Things had been going good. Too good. I’ve been too hungry for the Word. I’ve been feeling so in tune with God. I’ve been seeking and seeking a deeper relationship with my Lord. I’ve developed a new appreciation and respect for Who God really is and Who I am in comparison.
I basically just stood by basking in the glory – enjoying His presence and sweet Spirit. I just put my guard down and let the devil blindside me. Wham! He rears his ugly head. Messin’ with me. Oh – he didn’t mess with my kids or my sweet grandbabies. I’ve prayed a hedge around them. But one area that I have neglected and haven’t given a lot of attention to is our finances. The devil delivered one strong punch and just knocked me to the ground. Pulled the rug right out from under us. For just a little while, he succeeded in making me feel depressed, discouraged and defeated.
Am I going to let him have the victory in this? Oh, no. No way. Not for one second. Instead, I cried out to God. I let him whisper to my aching heart. I went to the only place where I can lay it all down and let God pick it all up.
The foot of the Cross.
I fall to my knees.
I will be still so I can hear.
I will not run.
I will not be defeated.
I will not lose faith.
I will hold on to God’s promises in His Word.
“Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; in You I take shelter” (Psalm 143:9)
“Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; And His greatness is unsearchable” (Psalm 145:3)
In the words of Matt Redman:
“Oh no, you never let go
Through the calm and through the storm.
Oh no, you never let go
In every high and every low.
Oh no, you never let go.
Lord, you never let go of me.”
God is still God. He is still on the throne. He will win this victory. He will give me the strength that I need. He will never let go of me.
18 comments:
I needed the post. Thank you for adding it. I've been fighting the devil this week myself.
Hugs, Sandy
Ouch. I'm sorry! I am believing with you that you will see victory in this situation!
Your question at the beginning of your post, I was just nodding my head yes to every one
Praying for you to find some guidance with finances. That devil is a sneaky little guy, you have to just kick him to the curb and let God shine his light on your life.
Wow...talk about perfect timing. After the past week we've had, I don't think our finances can take much more! That is our weakness, and the enemy knows it. We've been blindsided with several big expenses, and we have another big one coming this summer.
Thank you for your post!
Blessings...
Beth E.
Yes that evil one has a way of trying to jerk us around and mess with us, but you're putting your foot down hard on him and that's just what he hates...and you do it all in the name of Jesus Christ! Thank you Lord.
I'm praying that God will bless you abundantly dear one. Hang on and never let go!
One of the verses I've memorized this year just came to mind when I read your post: Isaiah 33:6 "He will be the sure foundation of your times, a rich store of salvation, wisdom and knowledge. The fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure". This verse spoke to me when I was having a moment like you just had. I don't need to worry, God is my treasure and he will give us what we need.
Oh, Precious Sister, I'm going to my knees for you and your Best Friend this side of heaven. Love to you from the deepest parts of my heart. Yolanda
I just sing "Overcome" at a funeral/celebration of life today. Victory is ours because of Christ! Praise!
Yes, I know how well that goes too. The finance thing is hard because well, to be honest, it is the physical money that buys our needs! Although God is the one that gives it to us! I am lifting you up in prayer, and praying the Lord will keep you in peace during this time. Also, I received my gifts Beth, and they were so awesome! I love crosses, and I put that one in my bathroom. I also read some of the book last night and I really like Tozier, and when she quoted him, I knew it was good! Bless you Beth. Yes, God will sustain and keep you, for you are his. Love, Pam
VICTORY - at the foot of the Cross. Looks like God has us on the same page again!! I love that!
He is Victorious before we even enter the battle!
Choosing JOY, Stephanie
[JESUS - the One I Worship]
Beth,
This post was so uplifting and encouraging to me today! I can so identify with it! I'm the same way....I can be going along so good and then sometimes just some LITTLE tiny thing can happen and I go all to pieces! Crazy!
My new verse that I'm meditating on with the LPM Siestas right now is something that I was impressed to try to start doing..."BE STILL, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heather, I will be exalted in the earth." Ps.46: 10
Sometimes it seems I get in such a hurry and a tizzy that I get all upset and God has to remind me to BE STILL and remember that He is God and He is in control.
God bless you!
Marilyn
I'll keep you in my prayers.
Stay in the Word and pray His promises over your needs and desires. When satan comes at you....tell him what your God says. I love how Beth Moore always keeps Bible verses on index cards that pertain to the situation she's facing.
Hoping and praying you have a very blessed week!
Love,
Valerie
Ah, yes, the finances. That is where he hits us, too. I sometimes feel regretful, guilty, ashamed about some of the financial mistakes I have made. Thanks for the reminder that none of us are alone with these feelings, and we do have victory.
Sweet one, I came over after just reading your email. You know I'm not reading blogs yet since I just got back from out of town but I had to come over and leave you some love, prayers and encouragement.
OUR VICTORY IS INDEED AT THE FOOT OF JESUS! AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS! You already have the victory and it's manifestation in your finances is on the way in JESUS NAME!
No weapon that is forged against you and your household shall EVER prosper and that includes any and all attacks from the devil as well! He's working overtime but he's wearing himself out because JESUS IS ALL POWERFUL AND HAS EVERYTHING UNDER CONTROL!
May you and your husband walk in the PEACE OF GOD WHICH TRANSCENDS ALL UNDERSTANDING and may you remember, declare and stand on the WORD OF GOD: "My GOD shall supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory which is in Christ Jesus" and "I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their seed beggin bread" and "All things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose" and "Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added as well".
HALLELUJAH! Abba Father I thank you that You have Beth, her family and finances in the palm of Your Almighty Hands. May they continue to trust in You as they see Your SUDDEN movement in their situation and all unto Your glory Abba Father. Thank You Abba for Your love and mercy as you are are Total Portion. I pray in the Name above all Names--the Name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Amen! Amen! Amen!
I love you Beth as does so many other sweet souls.
Amen sweet friend! I cherish you and the words God gives you to share - these were much needed. (As they ALL are! :o)
Hope you are all well!
Beth,
Thank you, too for your post! I appreciate the encouragement. I suppose we all fight discouragement one way or another. Thankfully, the Lord lifts our heads and gives us strength in so many ways! I will pray for your family in this situation. I am rejoicing with you, too for the victory you have in Christ! The devil is defeated in Jesus Mighty Name!!!
God bless you sister, Laurie
For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight FOR you against your enemies to give victory. Deut. 20:4
God has never fought a battle yet and lost. He is ALWAYS victorious and He is on your side!
Blessings - Lisa
Oh friend...thanks for stopping by...and I'll be LIFTING you up in prayer. (my hubby and I are pastors too!)
We've felt the punch of financies too....and God is really teaching me/us to TRUST him.....
God has GREAT THINGS..in store...rest in him.
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