The three attacks came. Right on the heels of each another. Within 48 hours, three incidents that completely floored me. I was under attack.
I am a person who walks around with rose-colored lenses on. I hope for the best and believe the best about people. So I was completely caught off guard when I was attacked and at church no less.
And to make matters worse, I was coming off a week of being totally immersed in the presence of the Holy Spirit. So engulfed was I in His presence that I didn’t see it coming. I open, accessible and vulnerable. After the attacks, I was left feeling hurt, wronged and violated.
One physical attack to my body. From face to feet, full body rash. Guess now I know I’m allergic to a particular type of antibiotic. This is exactly why I don’t take medicine. But I trusted the Dr. and I didn’t want my thumb to fall off or create another series of problems so I consented to taking this medication. Well, guess it caused another problem after all. So here I was with this full body rash and was scheduled to speak early the next morning on the topic of “Restoration of the Body”. I was self conscious about what to wear because I had red alligator skin from head to toe. Even my lips were swollen. But God is faithful. My friend helped me select a dress that covered most of the redness and prayer helped calm my nerves.
That was immediately followed by vicious attacks from people. My heart is hurting just thinking about it. All my heart wants to do is encourage, support and love people and to have that stepped on and crushed is devastating.
The pain from these events caused me to:
~Emotionally Eat
I ate a box of Junior Mint and I don’t normally eat candy. But it was comforting to mindlessly eat something sugary. I did resist the urge to get a big cup of coffee. I only wanted the coffee as a means to assuage my hurt feelings.
~Want To Give Up
I clearly know the things God has called me to do. And I’ve readily said yes to carry them out. But when faced with personal attacks, I questioned the Lord and wondered why I even bother coaching, supporting, giving, encouraging. My thoughts were, ”Really Lord?! Do I need this drama? I can just be at home, caring for me and mine.” I even told my friend as much. To which she quickly reminded me of the truth. This is a spiritual battle and I must engage accordingly. So when you find yourself engaged in battle, there is no need to panic, flee or overreact. Take a deep breath and engage by using the tools in your arsenal.
PRAY
Ask God to give you eyes to see and ears to hear the truth in the situation
Pray for all parties, entities involved
PROTECT
Put On Your Armor (Ephesians 6:10-20)
Take Cover (Psalm 91)
Know that Jehovah Sabaoth, The Lord of Hosts goes before you
When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.
PRAISE
Your praise is your battle cry
Praise Him that you’ve already secured the victory
This is the chorus to a song I love. It reminds me God is on my side, Chris Tomlin’s Whom Shall I Fear
“I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side
The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side”
Be encouraged friends. When you are purposefully pursuing Christ, fiery darts will come your way to try to deflate you, distract you and discourage you. But God! You are an overcomer. You are a valiant soldier. You are victorious!
Let us pray. I lift my eyes to the hills, where my help comes from. Jehovah Sabaoth, Lord of Hosts, who is mighty in battle, thank you for loving me and protecting me. You are a very present help in the time of trouble. If You, Oh God are for me, who can be against me? I am more than a conqueror through You who loves me. Let every tongue that rises against me in judgment be put to shame. Let every plot, trap and scheme of the enemy be cancelled in Jesus’ name. Lord I thank you for the intercessors that are praying on my behalf. May you bless them indeed. Thank you for giving your angels charge over me. Thank you for securing the victory!
As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!
Happy to connect with friends @ Fellowship Friday’s