I stumbled on something last week that really made a light go on inside my head, and when that happens, I just get so excited. So this isn't really thought provoking for anybody but prolly me, but I just like to share it whenever God reveals something to me if for no other reason than to say how awesome He is that He can get through this thick, jumbled head of mine.

Last month at Stand, we talked about overcoming your obstacles, and we were told to write three main things that we are struggling with and stumbling over. I'll share two of mine: fear and self-doubt. They do go hand in hand, but they aren't quite the same. They are my two biggest struggles. They both stem from a lack of trust in God. I don't quite know why I find it so hard to just let go and know that He's got things under control, but I do. I find it almost impossible sometimes.
My mind is constantly in overdrive, worrying and questioning. Why? What if? What next? I always want to know the reason. Has anything ever happened that you just said to yourself surely God can't have a reason for letting that happen? Or if God is all powerful, how could He let that happen? Anybody?
My biggest question has been about suicide. I have known several christians (both people who I am close to and just casual acquainences) who have tried to kill themselves. Some succeeded, and some didn't. Honestly, it shakes my faith at the very foundation every time I hear of it. I can't fathom it. If God never gives us more than we can handle, then why do people kill themselves? I can understand a non-believer killing themselves because they have no hope. They haven't filled that void...but a christian?
But when I stop and think about it, the times I have thought of suicide (there have been a few)...and sadly, the though has come to me just as often since I gave my life to Christ as it did before! And this I don't understand either. Why do these thoughts haunt me??? I should know better than to even let the thought cross my mind, let alone dwell on it for any amount of time!

Last Sunday, we had a guest speaker at our church, and his message hit me hard. Alot of things have just sorta "clicked" for me today. (Took a week because I haven't really had a chance to sit down in peace and quiet and just think about what I heard. I'm glad I took alot of notes for once.)
This was his message:
John 10:10 -- The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.

He doesn't want your material things, but since the Bible says that where your treasure lies, there will your heart lie also,(Matt. 6:21) if your heart is in material things, then that is what he will take first. Anything to get to you.

I have to stop right here and talk about a verse that I have heard a bazillion times and just now understand the meaning of it.
The just shall live by faith. (found in several passages...in Hebrews, Romans & Habakkuk)
When I first read it, I sorta transposed the meaning of it, I guess, because all it said to me was that a man who has faith is just. But last week when I heard it, I understood that what it is saying is that the just needs faith in order to live. Faith is his sustinance. Yes, a man who has faith is "justified", and if you live by faith, then you will try to be "just", but the scripture is really saying that your faith, for a believer, is what we live by. I never understood that verse before.

Okay, back to the enemy's agenda:
1)steal
He will take from you whatever it is that will hurt you most. For a Chrisitan, that is our faith. If he can take our faith, then we have no reason for life. And if we have no reason for life, then we are easy to:
2)kill
And once he kills our spirit by stealing our faith, then our soul can be
3)destroyed

It just makes me feel a whole lot better about the situation...although I know these things allready, sometimes you have to hear them just one more time before knowing becomes understanding.

And I understand now how it is possible for someone to kill themselves. They have been tricked. Deceived.
I Peter 5:8 -- Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

And I understand that when I have these thoughts that it is an attack, and that I can fight back!
James 4:7 -- Resist the devil, and he will flee!

And all those times that I did not understand what was happening, and did not have the strength to fight it on my own, the Holy Spirit fought FOR me:
Romans 8:26 -- Likewise, the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

So anyway, yeah...God still speaks to hard-headed people. And I am very thankful that He helped bring that all together for me... <IMG SRC="http://stand318.com/ubb/icons/icon3.gif" border=0>



------------------
Michelle

All of that is so true! So many times I expect Satan to destroy me with more obvious attacks- even though the Bible says he is deceitful. Or I think those areas which God has forgiven me in or I have given to Him will remain unscathed. But they don't. God has shown me more and more through the last month or so what it is to crucify my flesh over and over again. It is our flesh which gets us into so much trouble! Satan doesn't just throw stones- he comes to us speaking to our pride, self-esteem, imagination, desires, etc. When I refuse to justify my flesh and I give everything over to God, Satan cannot steal my treasure. He is rendered and powerless by the Word of God. It's so much easier said than done. Crucifying my flesh is incredibly hard. But God's Word is truth, and I have had more peace in my life when I've put my flesh down.

------------------
victoria

Hey girl...

Let me tell you that whenever you begin to feel bad, remember that I TRULEY thank God for having the opportunity of meeting you. I know that all my work this year has me a lot more busy than in the past, so I haven't seen everyone as much as in the past, but it gives me a sense of security to know that I have friends like you in my life!!!

luv ya bunches!!!!!!!

innerdawg

Yes thank you Father for taking this hardheaded fool under your wings!!

I hear you FC I have seen some really good people get decieved and all "stuff" break loose in their lives. As a matter of fact the more that I think about it. There have seen more folks get burned by believing a lie fro the pit than by those that are just not saved!

God bless ya!
Steve

------------------
When God is all you've got; God is all you need!

Men's Ministry Home!

Sign up for weekly Devotional MensHelpDevotional@JESUSaves.every1.net

Send me an email SLattier@JESUSaves.every1.net