I tried to get the fly out of the container, but it refused to leave. When I moved my fork (trying to get him out) he just moved to the other side. No matter what I did that pesky bugger wouldn’t give up his territory. His intent was to stay put and have a victory dance on my berries as well as the pineapple. (I was able to catch him in action, because the camera was right beside me.)
I’m sure that everyone who reads this will be able to relate about something that has made its way into your life that tries to upset the “Pine”apple cart. The fly wasn’t the only bug that was trying to set my emotions to flight; it was all the events of the week. Let me backtrack a few days to last Sunday.
As you know last week I talked about things that were stopping us from success. You can be sure the devil read that post, and immediately went into action to test me. Sunday morning we had to make an emergency visit to the animal clinic/hospital for a rescue cat named Zoe. Now mind you, her name actually means "the God-kind of life, nothing missing, nothing broken. (I haven’t written about her yet, but seems like I will be soon.) That's how the week started, and it only got more complicated.
Monday we entered our baked goods and herbs in the county fair contest. There was so much to do every day, besides work, ministry and the rescue center to prepare for the entire week. It seemed like the “flies” were in the ointment of my whole life trying to destroy any fruit I would bear for Christ.
Fear, nerves, worry and panic tried to surface even though I continually cast it down. By Tuesday morning I thought I was going to “lose it”, twice. Not my temper, but the breakfast I hadn’t eaten if you know what I mean. Our thoughts were on Zoe and the disease that is virtually never seen in cats. For the rest of the week she would have to go back and forth to the doctor's for testing, shots and medication.
All week in my study and prayer time I’ve been asking what to share with you. Wednesday God led me to Ephesians chapter 3. This is a prayer I used to say daily in ministry, but for some reason stopped making that confession. No wonder the door was left open for anything to try and creep into my household.
There were a lot of last minute things I had to do for the flower contest on Thursday. You really can't make fresh arrangements that much ahead of time, so the rest of the day was spent getting my entries ready.
Thursday brought sadness with a home going of a family friend, and cause for panic with urgent emails. My voice was almost hoarse from counseling for hours. I was exhausted and the day wasn’t over.
However, this morning God renewed my hope when I read from Romans 8 beginning with verse 31.
What then shall we say to these things?
If God is for us, who can be against us?
What things were trying to come against me? I had to identify them first, and that's what I did all week long. It was fear trying to steal my joy, peace and faith. After identifying the problem, I needed to believe that none of those things could work against me, because God is on my side.
32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things.
33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.
But I didn’t stop reading there. The scripture continues in that it tells me how I know God is aware of my problems.
Not only does God know about my life, He knows it because Jesus is reminding Him of me in prayer.
34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us (that means you and me).
We need to make this effective by placing our own name in the verse like this: Jesus is making intercession for Favored1 (put your own name in there).
There isn’t any situation that is too big for God to handle. He freely gives us some things … no ALL things. When my husband preaches, every time he reads a passage that has the word all in it, he makes us shout it out loud. So go ahead, shout God has given me, “ALL” things freely. It sounds real when you speak what God has already spoken. Look at these two passages in Hebrews chapters 7 and 9.
25 Therefore He is also able to save to
the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make
intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25 (NKJV)
lord of the lies ...
We need to recognize who was feeding the flies the lies, telling them that they could swarm onto whatever we have or do. Who did it? You know, satan. Then we need to remember the "always' clause. What part in time does “always” cover? Always! Yes, Jesus is ready and completely able to save our souls for eternity, but He is also able to save us from the works of the devil and our own negative thoughts now, tomorrow and forever. In other words, God is for me now and always.
Knowing that we have all things through Christ and that He is on our side voicing our needs before God, should be enough to send the devil on his way.
We can't just read what the scriptures say, but have to believe it as well. How do we know we believe what God says? When we do it. Jesus told Peter how he would be able to operate in belief. This is something we all need to keep foremost in our minds.
You may not believe this, but it’s true – the devil can’t do whatever he wants with you. He can’t have a “field day” without God’s or your permission. The cross of Jesus stopped satan from using God's children as a playground. Since God won’t give him an opening, guess who is letting the flies in? The devil can only go as far as God will let him. How far will you let him go?
31 And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” Luke 22:31-31 (NKJV)
Read aloud only the words I have underlined. It says something powerful does it?
Someone is asking for permission to sift and grind you into unbelief; satan. Don’t get discouraged, God knows what he is doing and Jesus said He prayed that your faith would not fail. Not only are you going to be victorious, when you come to the other side of the trial, you will be so strong that your testimony will help others through their circumstances.
There may be all kinds of things you are facing right now, but let God get hold of your heart and believe Him.
So how did this work in my own life this week?
Prayer stopped the pests that tried to steal my faith. The fly didn’t get the rest of my pineapple, we won several first place ribbons at the fair (I won’t know exactly how everything went until Sunday.) and a few minutes ago we got a good update report on Zoe (No, the battle isn’t over, but we are believing for total victory for her). Jesus kept His word through intercession and God moved on each situation. Our journey this week has been bumpy, but God continues to give us favor and success.
We cannot stop satan from sending the “flies” (trials), but we can stop them from consuming what God has given us by staying in faith. This week keep this confession of hope active and watch the favor of God come on “all things” in every situation. Jesus will help you stand strong if you wholly trust in Him.
Christ the Solid Rock I Stand
Confession of Hope:
God is for me (put your name there) and gives all things needed for
this trial and test. I cannot fail.
Jesus said I won’t, because He is continually praying for my faith daily. When I come through this, I will be so strong
that I will recognize this test in the future, and be able to help someone else in
the same situation. You will not sift me
into failure satan, because I don’t give you any permission in my life. I believe God and only listen to His
voice. My success is on its way and I
thank You Jesus for it in advance!
Daily Favor Requires Daily Faith
(The word "satan" isn't capitalized intentionally for we give him no place in our lives."
Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy.
Image credit if not listed by Google Images Creative Common License
Scripture reference was taken from the New King James Bible Version provide by Gateway Bible
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