By Brenda Groves
The Post Newspaper Contributing Writer
Rooted and Grounded in Love
I recall a conversation I had with one of my clients in regards to some of the tropical storms and hurricanes that have hit our area over the years.
We were discussing Hurricane Ike in particular, and I told him that upon our return we found a fairly large tree limb that had been twisted off by the high winds (or possible tornado), and speared through the side of our garage.
He stated his opinion that Ike did more wind damage to our trees than any other storm in his sixty plus years living in this area. The strong winds lasted a long time, and the constant battering took its toll and many trees were uprooted, broken in half, or died just shortly after.
I was thinking about this as we were talking, and it dawned on me that I had been experiencing similar abuse, spiritually speaking. A constant battering of situations in my life were taking a toll on me as well.
It started when tormenting thoughts came blowing in, such as: “Just give it up!!!” “How much more can I take?” “I did my best!” “God will still love me if I give in.” “Things aren’t getting better, they’re only getting worse.” “I’ve been battling for sooooo long. It would be so easy just to throw in the towel!”
So, what do you do when you have been standing on God’s word, and believing for years to see certain circumstances change in your life, or in the lives of those around you? And it seems as if nothing is happening?
First, we have to understand that if it concerns other people, they have free will. We can witness how the Lord loves them, and testify how He has worked in our own lives. But they have to choose how they will respond to the positive influence of the Holy Spirit so that He can work in their own lives.
(But I know prayer is powerful when spoken in faith, and if we will come into agreement with the word of God, we can overcome/wrestle the demonic strongholds in people’s lives that are holding them captive. This frees their mind/soul to either accept or reject the Lord’s help.)
And remember we are called to walk/live by faith, and not by sight.
But our advisory, Satan, wants us to do the opposite.
You know, the devil is nothing more than a loud mouth bully who is terrified of authority, and the power that has been given to us through Christ Jesus. The truth is, Satan has been stripped of his power unless we give up, thereby forfeiting ours over to him.
And here is another truth, the Devil can’t read our thoughts. He can’t see how deep, or shallow, our roots are in Jesus at the time, unless we expose them to him.
The enemy has no way of knowing how effective his assaults are, unless we speak or act on our doubts/fears.
Remember, “death and life are in the power of OUR tongue.” (Proverbs 18:21)
Don’t give away your position to the enemy. I think it was during World War II that this phrase “Loose lips sink ships,” first came about.
Your enemy wants you to speak out the lying thoughts/suggestions that are contrary to God’s word, and hear you say things to, and about people and situations.
For example, have you ever heard yourself say things like,”I’m sick and tired of you!! Get out!!!” “I’ve had enough.””I’m done!” “I can’t do this anymore.” “Things aren’t getting better.” “You’ve ruined my life!!” or “I’ll never recover from this sickness.” “There is no hope.” “We’ll never get out of debt.” “You don’t care about me.” “I will NEVER forgive them.” Or worse yet, “Even God can’t fix this mess.”
Now, most of us have either thought or said one, or more of these things at some time in our lives.
But think about it. Who planted those thoughts? Do you really believe that it was God who inspired them? Of course not.
But praise God, if we have given in to fear and doubt, His mercies are new EVERY day. We can learn to redirect our thoughts, change what we say and line up our mind/heart/words to come into agreement with what the Lord says about these storms.
Plant yourself FIRMLY in the word of God, and if you feel like you can’t stand another second. Stand some more. The only way the devil wins is by default. If you give up.
The worse it gets, the closer you are to victory and the enemy knows it! He will keep picking at that wound, and when he sees it start to bleed (our words and actions/reactions) he will begin kicking and throwing punches at you to try to discourage you. The wind will really start to howl.
He hopes you will break in the middle, pull up roots, and abandon your position and authority, or just simply wither and still be our witness.
There are many examples in the Bible (written down for our benefit) of people who were in dire straits, yet believed in God, and saw victory! I am a walking testimony of the word of God delivering me from several addictions that I had for many years, but now they are “gone with the wind.” Praise God!!!
There is so much I could say here, and many awesome examples of the power of God’s word and love working and intervening in our favor. Let it take root in your own life.
You know, I feel like the Lord is speaking to some of you today, who have been believing in God for something, maybe several things, and you have been thinking … “what’s the use,” and you are about to give up. Well, don’t give up, STIR yourself up!! You are not trying to obtain a victory, you are coming from a victory in Christ! If that “storm” has been talking to you, well, talk right back and tell it, “Peace BE Still!”
And I want to encourage you (as well as myself), go to God’s word. Stand, or keep standing on His promises …
Seek Him, praise Him and walk in love.
We can actually get to a place where we trust in Him so fully, that while the winds howl, and debris is being tossed all around us, we can simply rest in His love, protection and promises … and enjoy the cool breeze.
(2 Tim. 1:6-7; Mph. 3:17-19; 2 Cor. 5:7,10:5; 1 Peter 5:8; Colossians 2:15; Matt: 6:31; Lamentations 3:22-24; Eph. 6:13-20; Isaiah 26:3; Mark 4:39)
Contact Brenda Groves at: bkgroves1996@yahoo.com
