No Need to Panic

Some one that I dearly love has recently encountered a blow.  A big one.  It literally came out of no where. When it happened, we were all shocked, angry, hurt and sad.  I have spent much time praying for her and asking the Lord, "Why?".  Today I read this passage and thanked Him for some understanding.

"Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be terrified or give way to panic before them. For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory." Deuteronomy 20:3-5

She needed this opportunity.  We prayed, believing that this would be her chance.  EVERYONE believed. 

Then suddenly, the flying dart hit straight into the heart. 

When the enemy comes to kill, steal and destroy, he sometimes comes with a vengeance.  We don't even have our armor on yet so we start the battle wounded.  I can't think of anything better to cling to, than to know that God will fight for me. When we feel like we cannot fight another moment, we don't have to.  When we are angry and raging, He protects us and says, "Step aside.  Don't make a fool of yourself.  I got this!"  When we need to fight, He will guide our steps.  When we are afraid of our circumstances and our adversary, we can leave in peace. 

God is faithful to do the fighting for us.  He is faithful to protect us.  He is faithful to guide us.  He is faithful to give us victory.

Can I just encourage you today to put down the panic button?  We don't need it!  There is no need for fear or panic when we understand the outcome of the battle. 

The battles make us stronger.  The battles teach us to depend on Christ.  The battles give us opportunities to hear from our Savior.  The battles are necessary for glorious victory!

I don't always appreciate the battles in my life.  I question them, when those I love are hurting.  God is helping me to understand His Sovereign hand on our lives.  I am slowly but surely seeing how the wounds may yield a scar; but His healing powers yield abundant life.

The panic of defeat is wrecking. It gives the victory to the enemy. Let us stake claim in His victory.  Let us live our days in victory!

I admire the way I have seen this hurt handled.  This blow may have set us back a few steps, but it will NOT knock us out! 

The next time the enemy takes a jab at you, let him know who fights for you.  Lean in and press on.  Then rest and wait for the victory.  You can be assured my friends--it will come!

"So we may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.  What can man do to me?"

 Hebrews 13:6

I'm Stuck!

It has been three weeks since my return from Quito, Ecuador on a Compassion trip.  Not a day has gone by since I have been home that I have not thought of my sweet friends there.  It seems that my mind is stuck on them...I am okay with that because it reminds me to pray for them and to remember their stories.

I am stuck on Andrea and Omar.  They work at the Compassion office and are not only incredible hosts, but their love for Jesus and their jobs is beautiful.  They were made to do what they do!  I admire their passion for people and for their country.  They inspire me to want to make a difference in my own country as well.

I am stuck on Bellina.  She is a precious mother in the Child Survivor Program.  I visited her house on Saturday and when I asked if she was a believer she replied, "Not yet."  I worshipped with her on Sunday.  I sat with her.  I held her little girl.  I wiped her tears.  On Monday, I held her hand and she prayed to recieve Christ as her Savior.

I am stuck on Natalie.  She is the precious little doll baby that my family sponsors.  We are in love with her!  Her smile is contagious.  Her hugs will go down in history.  Her giggle still rings in my ears.  Her tears when we said goodbye still make my eyes well up and overflow.  I miss her.

I am stuck on Maribel.  She is Natalie's mother.  She is a dear friend.  Her story of rescue and redemption struck a cord in my soul.  She inspires me to never give up as a mother.  I look forward to the day we will meet again.

I am stuck on Elise, Gabriella and Isabella.  Three generations and beautiful hearts.  Gabriella is a Child Survivor Program mother.  I will always cherish the words of her mother after our picture together, "Now we are four generations, because you are our sister."

I am stuck on Alexandria.  Another CSP mother that so candidly opened her heart to me.  We shared tears, stories, prayers and hugs.  She told me that she would love me forever-I feel the same way.

What are you stuck on lately?  I could go on and on.  I want to be stuck on something that changes me daily.  Something that moves me to action-that makes me more like Christ.  I am afraid that all too often I get stuck in the muck and lose my focus, but for now, for this season, God has me longing to stick like glue to Him and for that, I am thankful.

By the way, you can share in these beautiful women's lives by becoming a sponsor of the Child Survivor Program.  Just click here www.compassion.com/joyfulmom