Satan is a stupid meany-head. This afternoon he's made me mad. Very mad. Stupid Satan! (Side note: Every time I hear the word "stupid" my mind instantly goes to when we were younger and some of us older cousins (there's 13 of us total on one side alone) would slip and say our family's version of the 's' word around some of our younger cousins. These little girls were (and still are!) the absolute cutest little girls and they would all three instantly pipe-up in unison and say, "ummmm...we don't say that." Since the youngest of those three adorable girls just finished her freshman year in college I think they can handle the 's' word now.) :)
I say Satan is stupid because I'm mad at him and what he does; I know he's not literally stupid. He's actually quite a clever genius. He knows how to hit you where and when it hurts. This afternoon has been a rough one for me. 99.99% of our family, friends and Church family have been overwhelmingly supportive and loving. Their encouragement and grace have been a lifeline and I literally cannot put into words how grateful I am for all they are doing to support us. But, this afternoon when I'm tired, when my emotions are raw and when I'm exhausted Satan uses that .01% to mess with my mind. Suddenly that's all I can focus on and I'm back in tears a blubbering mess. Today, I ran to Jesus. I poured my heart out to Him, I cried to Him and told Him my hurt...and then I asked for His strength to help me let it go. It's not me, it's not my strength, it's the Holy Spirit.
I wish I could say I knew I was the only one Satan attacked this way. However, I know I'm not. I know he attacks each and every one of us like this. He likes to throw junk in our face to block our view of what God is doing and accomplishing in and around each of us. If he can get us off track just the slightest bit, distract us just a tad...he's got the foothold he needs.
Run to Jesus. Ask Him to remove anything which the devil can use as a foothold. It's my prayer that through all of this the devil cannot claim even one single victory...and it starts with my heart.
Literally as I was typing this blog I get a facebook message from friends and they conclude their very encouraging and up-lifting note with, "Don't let Satan whisper lies into your minds. Keep your eyes on Jesus, he will carry you through." Amen. Talk about a divinely-timed note. And thank you Lord for 100% of my relationships. The 99.99% give me a glimpse of You and of heaven on earth; and the .01% remind me of my desperate need for You and Your arms to carry me through.
Thank you so much for all your continued prayers of support. Yesterday went very well and Chad and I both left the appointment with a sense of peace, for which I am so very grateful. God even gave us a Christian Counselor to do Chad's assessment! Starting today Chad goes Monday-Friday 9am-4pm for group and individual counseling sessions. This was a higher level of treatment than the counselor thought necessary; however he understood Chad's desire to do all that he possibly can so this was the highest level of treatment he could get Chad approved for. I've talked to him a few times throughout the day (mainly been insurance questions); but he did say things were going well. I'll update as I know more. Again, thank you so very much for everything. You all are dearly loved!
"But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me."
We are covering you in our prayers. Even Tessa prays: Thank you for Si, Si's daddy, and Si's Mommy. It's so hard when Satan is after you, but that only means he doesn't like what he sees. So keep one foot in front of the other, the reward will be so worth it. I am excited that Chad has started the sessions and I am believing he will find all the tools he needs to get beyond this! Love you guys!
ReplyDeleteThat's the way Satan works in our lives. He always wants our focus to be on the one(s) that hurt us the most. It's easy to tell someone to look at the positive and those who love you most, but when it's you being attacked, it's not so easy. Stay focused and know that all of this is for the glory of God. He's got this and will take care of those who come against His own.
ReplyDeleteLove you guys, pray for you constantly. Satan seeks only to steal our joy, only Jesus can pick us up when we are down and the amazing thing is, he is always willing to do that. I am often amazed at how those who claim to be so faithful show so little of the most prominent characteristics of Jesus, GRACE. Allow that 1% to be you assurance that you belong to Jesus and pray for them, because they sure need it.
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