The War Within

Was your weekend full of fun, fellowship, and fabulousness (yes, I did just make up that word!)? Mine was too, for the most part. Yeah, there's always a catch, isn't there? Always something trying to get in and cause destruction, aggravation, and damage my calm.

I let it--for a little while. Okay, I let it for longer than it should have been allowed to perturb me. And then I let it seep into my fun time I had been having with my hubby. And then? And then we addressed it. We addressed the issues (yeah, there were more than one) and we fought back. Remember my blog from the other day about this? If not, read July 20th's blog for a refresher.

Taking these thoughts of ours captive is an ongoing struggle sometimes. So thankfully--since we aren't in this walk alone--God provides us with assistance. He sends men like James MacDonald to post little snippets to us that are just so timely. Take this one, for instance: God has given you power for circumstances, love for relationships, and a sound mind for internal battles. 2 Timothy 1:7. Whom did God give this power to? That's right. You. Me. So, as I often like to do, let's rewrite this verse and see if we can't make it more personal and meaningful, shall we?

God has given Stefanie power for circumstances. He has given Stefanie love for relationships. He has given Stefanie a sound mind for internal battles.

Wasn't that just so nice of Him?! I've got the power (I wish I could insert Snap singing this line like I do often--even though I have no idea who Snap is, I have heard this snippet often and proclaim it loudly when necessary). I have the this power for whatever circumstances arise that threaten my mood, my thoughts, and my attitude toward whatever life throws at me.

I've also been given love. Lots of it. It flows through me and lights up my spirit when I allow this blessed feeling to rule me.

Now, for the part that many will find hard to believe: I have been given a sound mind. Yeah, I had a bit of trouble with that too--especially since other versions use the words "self-discipline" or "self-control." But it's true in whichever version you choose to use. God has given me His Word to read, He's given me His servants to teach me, and He's given me Himself to guide me. I love studying and learning more about Him, about Jesus, about the way love really is. Those lessons are embedded in my tiny little brain and I've proven many of them true time and time again.

So, in conclusion, what's it going to be, friends? Are we going to keep letting the devil steal from us what we have fought so hard to achieve? Are we going to keep listening to his lies, still keep stumbling over his stones he puts in front of us, and rely on memories from long ago to rule our heads rather than focusing on the present, the here and now, and the truth that we now know as such? Are we going to be so easily swayed and bewitched that the slightest thing sets us off or are we going to use that control God has given us, use that love to conquer all, and radiate the power He gives us when we allow Him to rule in our lives? It's not such a tough choice, now is it? I choose Jesus! I hope you will as well.

Let's pray!

Dear Lord, as I recall how easily my joy was tempered on Saturday, I bow my head in shame. I knew better. I knew what was going on. I knew that it wasn't that big of a deal but still...still I allowed myself to lose control and whine and pout until my way was taken. Yeah, it turned out okay in the end, but not because of my self-control but rather that of Steve's and the wisdom and calm that he (mostly) allowed to rule the situation. He had a moment or two as well, in all honesty, and You allowed me to be the voice of reason for a time. Thanks for that too, Lord. It's good to know I am not always in the wrong!

Lord, we need You. We need more of You. We need to constantly immerse ourselves in Your truths and Your salvation. We need to rely on You when the devil starts his whispering campaigns and tries to make us doubt one another or tries to cause havoc when there is just so much going on that is good.

Thank You for the common sense You gave us. Thank You for the deep love he and I have for one another. And thank You mostly, Lord God, for teaching us how this prevails above all. May You continue working in the both of us and the others out there who may be struggling with similar issues is my prayer today. In the name of Jesus Christ I ask these things. Amen.