There’s been a stomach bug raging through the family. It’s been a real kicker. It started before Christmas with one
daughter. As it went to the next daughter’s family, her kids all got it, one
after another. One day right in the
middle of the worst of it, 2 year old Caleb exclaimed, “I don’t like this!”
This virus picked people off at random, even hitting in-laws who had happened
by to visit. No ordinary 24 hour bug,
this one has been quite lengthy for some.
Between the cold weather, gray skies and this – we’re all ready for
spring. We’d just as soon skip the rest of winter!
If we could see viruses with our eyes, we’d avoid them for
sure. We would not purposely enter into
the virus’s territory. In the midst of the illness, we find ourselves asking if
it will ever end. Being in the throes of these viral events keeps us focused on
the sickness and any thought of it being over and a healthier day is hard to
believe.
In life’s throes, we often have extreme times of worry,
fatigue, fear, sorrow, exclusion or more. In the middle of our troubles, trials
and situations often all we can see is what we’re feeling. We may not have intentionally walked into any
of it. It just happens. We look to place the blame so we can avoid it in the
future, but life happens. Not everything we go through is sweetness and light.
The only way to live a life that might bring us little sorrow is to become a
hermit who doesn’t work, doesn’t play, doesn’t travel, doesn’t go outside of
our own homes. And, that’s not living. Besides, trouble doesn’t see the fencepost,
the door locks or the boundaries.
You may be in the midst of an extreme battle this day. You’ve
tried everything. You may be worn out, done in, played out. Once you knew you
would get through this, but now you’re not sure. You’ve prayed, you’ve sought, you’ve
medicated yourself and you’re still in the onslaught. What may have started out
as a little problem has turned into a big situation and you’re in the middle of
it. Without a cure, without some
respite, you are not sure you’ll make it.
Oh beloved, don’t give in! You may be on your last leg, but
there is one who is able to pick you up right where you are! The Lord is with
you! You have not been fighting this battle alone. You may have no strength,
but the Lord is the Host of Heaven’s Armies. You may not have seen God with
you, but His Word is True and He tells you that He is with you! He tells you
that He has His angels encamping around you! He also tells you you have a great
cloud of witnesses! This battle is not yours, beloved, this battle belongs to
the Lord! Lay your burdens, your hurts, your trials, your battle on the altar
of His loving care and let Him finish off the trouble on your behalf. He is
able to walk you through the valley, He is able to get you through the sea, and
He will not let this flood overtake you! You may feel worn out, but you are an
overcomer! You may feel the answer won’t come, but you are not living by sight
but by faith. And when this trial is over, you will see yourself as the Lord
sees you! You are loved! You are taken care of! You are invincible! You are
victorious! Your King is in residence in your heart today and He says the
battle belongs to Him!
1 Chronicles 5:20 They cried out to God during the battle, and He
answered their prayer because they trusted in Him…
Psalm 18:39 You have
armed me with strength for the battle; You have subdued my enemies under my
feet.
Psalm 55:18 He
ransoms me and keeps me safe from the battle waged against me, though many
still oppose me.
2 Chronicles 20:15 He said, "Listen, all you people of
Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: Do
not be afraid! Don't be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not
yours, but God's.
Ephesians 6:13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor
so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the
battle you will still be standing firm.
Psalm 46:7 The LORD
of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.
Isaiah 8:13 Make the
LORD of Heaven’s Armies holy in your life. He is the one you should fear. He is
the one who should make you tremble.
Psalm 34:7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who
fear Him, And rescues them.
Psalm 24:8 Who is the
King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty; the LORD, invincible in battle.
Joshua 1:9 This is my
command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD
your God is with you wherever you go.
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