Hello again! I’ve been on a hiatus for a while because my computer crashed a few months ago. I finally found some time to take it in for a diagnostic check, but it had completely died on me. Luckily, they were able save all my files and transfer them onto my husband’s computer, but now I’m learning to adjust to using a Mac instead of my trusty old Acer 🙂
I’ve been missing writing, but I’ve also realized that finding time to write is becoming more and more difficult. With a one year-old who is climbing on everything and has discovered that there’s water in the toilet, and three other boys vying for my attention, I’m exhausted when the day is done. But I’ve been wanting to write this post for a while so hopefully the boys will cooperate and take good naps.
One of my first posts, When the Nest is Attacked, was about spiritual attacks on our home and family. I loved writing this post because it made me really consider where the attacks were coming from and how I needed to fight them.
Currently, a spiritual attack we are fighting in our home is one against selfishness and excess. Between celebrating a few birthdays and Christmas in the past couple months, our boys grew accustomed to receiving a lot of gifts and participating in fun activities. We had family visit from out of town, we were able to do fun things as a family over Christmas break, and there were lots of presents. While these were all fun and good things that I’m happy my sons were able to experience, it’s been tough to go into January and get back into a routine. It’s also been tough to teach young kids to have grateful hearts for all they’ve been given without continuing to expect more.
A while back I read a devotion about spiritual attacks. I liked the point it made that we must acknowledge the attack so that we can enter into the fight. It made me think, do I get frustrated and discouraged by these attacks, but fail to fight back? Do I find myself becoming lazy instead of preparing for and entering into the battle? I think too often, that’s exactly what I do! And that’s exactly what the enemy wants. He wants us to become discouraged, hopeless, and worried about what’s going wrong in our lives. He wants us to give up and just accept that this is what our life amounts to at this time.
But let’s be honest, that’s all garbage! Because when we choose to acknowledge the spiritual attack for what it is, we don’t give it power over us. We don’t believe the lies or allow it to determine the end of the story. No, we choose to enter into the fight by focusing on the light instead of the darkness and by arming ourselves with the full armor of God. We choose to enter into the ring believing with full confidence that God has already won this battle so we have nothing to fear! And it’s not only acknowledging that we are IN a fight, but also recognizing WHO it is against. We’re not in a battle against flesh and blood! It’s not a battle against our children, our spouse, or even ourselves. It is a battle against the enemy and one that we need to fight immediately!
In my case, it took me shaking off the frustration with my sons because of their attitudes of discontentment and selfishness and instead using it as a teaching moment. It took patience from me as I put myself in their shoes and realized they are still learning about holidays and seasons of the year. It took humility on my part to turn to God and ask for help in my moments of discouragement. It’s not easy, but these conversations with God are so much more fruitful than being torn down by the enemy’s lies! And the peace it brings is unexplainable as we allow God to fight these battles for us!
It’s been nice to get some of my thoughts out again and hopefully it won’t be too long before I post some more. Enjoy your day with those around you and be encouraged!
Let’s raise His Mighty Warriors TOGETHER!
Raising Mighty Warriors 