Armed and ready...

 

You may have noticed an absence from me on the blog last week.  I couldn't find the words to type.  I could hardly find the breath to breathe in and out.  We are going through some very challenging times. 

I strive to keep my blog a positive place, where others can find encouragement.  It is a help to me as well, to keep my mind in a positive place, and give thanks to God for all He has blessed me with. 

However, the enemy was busy trying to steal my joy last week. 

What to do when your joy is being taken?

Get renewed joy in the Word.  I have been immersing myself in his promises, and his Word many times through the day.  It is truly amazing the power God's word has.  It has enabled me, through His help, to submit myself to whatever He has for me.

What last week I saw as problems, I now see as challenges.  I have renewed my mind in the word, and have armed myself for battle.  I was being defeated, and am now ready for battle.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6 : 12

You know what excites me about all of this?  We see the enemy working VERY HARD, and aiming at us from every possible angle.  However, it must mean God is moving and working in our family, or satan wouldn't be trying so hard!  That thought keeps me pushing onward.

I've taken to writing down things that I am praying for, to see how God moves.  The answer may be no, yes, or wait.  Whatever it is, I want to be able to look back and see how God worked in our family, and through our prayers. What a testimony this can be, of God using our humble family, and writing His story the way He chooses.

We've been motivated about praying for specific needs we have, by the biography of George Muller.  If you have not read this, I could not recommend it highly enough.  We are going to be reading it again, for the fourth time.  It's one of those books, that inspires, encourages, and strengthens your faith.  There is a large number of Christian biographies in this series, and some have become our favorite stories.  Gladys Aylward, Hudson Taylor and Adoniram Judson have also become favorites in this series.  They would be great for read-alouds from about age 8 or so, and older. Inspire your family to be all God has for them!

Thanks for reading!

Joy~

Comments

[Kathy Nelson]

Thank you Tanya for this blog post! I can so relate! And I (we) love George Mueller and Gladys Aylward along with the others you mentioned. I reread George Mueller when I was in Kazakhstan laboring to get Ruthie home. What an encouragement to see the Lord work and provide!

So nice to "reconnect" with you in this way! Will be praying for you and your family in the days ahead.

Hoping in God with you,
Kathy

[Joy Y.]

Thanks Kathy! Isn't it awesome when we see God using "regular" people like us? It's a wonderful reminder..thanks for your words today!

[Shelly]

I am sorry you are going through a difficult time.

"May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace."

[Joy Y.]

Thank you so much for your kindness Shelly. Those words speak life to me!

Joy~

[niki]

Thanks for sharing! This is my first visit to your blog and I am enjoying it very much.