Losing the fight
Sometimes I get away with rehearsing words I’ll never say, but not lately. God got in my face and wouldn’t leave me alone. Every time temptation threatened to snag me into the hands of the enemy, the Word blocked me. In the battle between my flesh and spirit, my flesh is strong, but scripture I’ve hidden in my heart helps me take every thought captive. I’m no match for God; I’m losing the fight and I’m glad.
In my face
In a single day, life pummeled me. Blow after blow with hurt so deep it popped to the surface of my consciousness throughout a fitful night of sleep. Ugliness, pain, deep, deep betrayal penetrated every space of my thoughts. I struggled to fix my thoughts on Jesus, then He just got in my face.
“for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.’” Genesis 32:28 NKJV
Fighting for me
God didn’t wrench my hip or change my name like He did Jacob’s, but He sure wrestled with me. Through my turmoil, He never left my side. Over and over, He reminded me of His truth as I entertained wicked thoughts.
“As for me, I look to the Lord for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me.” Micah 7:7 NLT
Crying foul
I imagined the Lord standing over me in a black and white striped shirt with a whistle around his neck while I wrestled with my own flesh. When I recounted every wrong done to me, He blew the whistle right in my ear.
“It [love] does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” 1 Corinthians 13:5 NIV
Penalty call
Devising schemes of vindication over pain inflicted to me, He rolled his arms one over the other. Illegal procedure.
“Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.” Romans 12:17 NLT
Face to face
Confronted by the Word, every thought from my flesh was opposed by truth. There was no way around it.
“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” Luke 6:27 ESV
Losers and winners
I don’t know what you are wrestling with, but I hope you lose. Lose to the One who can renew your mind and transform your thoughts. Even if He has to get in your face to do it.
“Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out.” Romans 12:2 MSG
Worth the effort
Keep Him in a firm grip and He will keep you. Like Jacob, we may limp forever, but never quit. Focus on the inward change and listen to His voice through His word. Focusing is hard, but it’s worth it.
Oh my!
I hope you lose: great words!
It’s like you know my thoughts. You always seem to know I’m wresting with problems. You encourage me thur your blog. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Praise God. I wish I could have been there for you. Why is it that some family seems to give us so much pain? I am so sorry I wasn’t there fore you. Our God was. God bless you as you inspire so many. I love you,and know so many others do. God bless oh in you work for God.
Sometimes it’s scary sharing my heart. Glad it helps others Love you