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Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Going On The Offensive

I have talked with and exchanged messages with so many people this week who feel like they are under intense spiritual attack. If you’re in that boat (and I’m in it too) this post was written in your honor…

Hannah and Joseph’s new favorite book is the Billy Goats Gruff. I think I’ve read it approximately 1,523 times in the past week.

Their favorite part is when Billy Goat #3 tromps over the bridge and the mean, ugly troll roars “How DARE you walk over my bridge… I’m coming to eat you up!!!” And the Billy Goat says with great confidence, “Well, bring it dude. You think I’m scared of you??”

Of course I’m paraphrasing, but you get the gist.

How I wish I had Billy Goat #3 confidence to face the mean, ugly troll in my life. His name is Satan and he threatens to eat me up all the time. “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a lion looking for someone to devour.” -- 1 Peter 5:8

We've had a rough couple of weeks around here. I have literally felt pounded from every side lately.

On the home front, we’re facing some significant challenges. Perhaps more on that in another post… but for now, suffice it to say that some days I start to grow weary. We’re facing some mountains so big that some days I think we will never, ever climb to the top. And frankly, that exhausts me.

And lately instead of standing up to Satan and yelling “bring it, dude!” I feel more like cowering in a corner and waving a white flag.

On the ministry front with SixtyFeet, things are no less exciting. Even if I told y’all all of the goings-on of the last few weeks, you’d never believe me. So I won’t bother. But suffice it to say… just when we think a situation cannot possibly get any crazier or any more challenging, it gets completely nuts.

I know, I know… who wants to be part of a ministry that Satan’s not interested in messing with? I suppose we should take it all as a compliment. But it’s still exhausting and, after a while, we start getting worn down. And sometimes we’re tempted to whip out the white flag.

On facing such intense spiritual warfare, I’ve been spending time in Ephesians 6 and reminding myself to put on the full armor of God… the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and, the one and only OFFENSIVE weapon on the list: the sword of the spirit. God’s Word. The Bible.

I don’t know about y’all but for the rest of this week, I’m going on the offense. I’m filling myself to the brim with scripture and I’m spending as much time as possible in the Word. I'm praying scripture over my family and my ministry and I'll pray for you too if you'll send me your prayer requests. Because I’m sick of cowering in the corner.

I know what God has called me and my family to do. And we fully trust in Him to equip us for every good work. Because the One who is in me is greater than the one who is in the world.

I’m throwing my white flag in the trash and I’m taking up the sword instead. Satan wants a fight? Then bring it, dude.

12 comments:

Jane said...

I am sorry things are hard for your family. Keep praying, keep reading your Bible and ask for help. As the body of Christ we are to help each and encourage each other - let people know what you need so we can pray and help your family when you are weary.

Unknown said...

I love this post friend - and I think we're in the absolutely same place . . . I'll be praying for y'all!

jkseevers said...

excellent post, Shelly! Will definitely be doing some spiritual warfare on your behalf! Soo thankful for the Word of God that is our instruction manual. Without it, we'd be lost. Yet, so often we forget to tap into God's amazing power and fight back!

Praying for you and your fam!!
Katie

Ashley said...

Love this!!! Standing firm with you my sister!!!

Anonymous said...

Right on!!!!!!!!!!! When I was going through a time like this, my dad said to actually say Ephesians 6, and go through the motions of putting on the Armor of God....everyday, the first thing in the morning. The spirit of Jesus Christ will snuff satan, light will overcome his darkness. We know who keeps his promises, and who doesn't. So we will pray for you,your precious family, SixtyFeet.org, without ceasing. God Bless you, and your family.We are all a part of your team, and will come together in prayer, and support.Thank you for Blessing us, and asking for us to hold you up. The white flag is gone.........In Christ Jesus, Beverly

Unknown said...

AMEN! I'm with you! Sword in hand! I think you know the plea of my heart! You can be sure I'll be praying Scripture over you in what you've shared. If you want me to get more specific in prayer for you guys email me!

"Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…

And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
And if Our God is for us, then who can ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
Then what can stand against?
Then what can stand against?"

Love ya!

Tracy said...

Been feeling it too and I haven't done a good job of battling! Thank you so much for sharing! You all are in our prayers!

Audrey B said...

Amen! Praying for your family and all of those in and affected by Sixty Feet.

Anonymous said...

Shelly, I will pray for you, your precious family, and your ministry, which has really impacted me. I ask you to pray for my work as a director of Compassion Ministries--just as we get more things going, the attacks start. Also, I have so much to prepare for our own trip to Uganda this summer. May I always consider it the joy I really feel it to be and stop feeling overwhelmed, like I am occassionally finding. We're leading a conference in Jinja this time and there's a lot to prep. And, (sorry I'm asking so much), pray for us to have the same heart and mind on adoption and timing. Thank you!!

Colleen said...

BRING IT! (wait...did I just say that??!?!?!)
xoxo

alissa said...

You are in my prayers also!

Sweet Carolina Grace said...

No waving the white flag in the corner! I'm standing with you in prayer!