Things have gotten a little chaotic around here lately. Subtle discrepancies from the normal peace we feel in this household. Heightened stress levels and an irritability index higher than normal. It reminded me of the time my father saved me from a cockroach. Yes, an insect.
Before I tell you that story, I would like to talk about the importance of knowing who we are and who we are meant to be. We are made in God’s perfect image, by God Himself. The breath that fills our lungs is His. We belong to Him and we will be His even if we fight the idea tooth and nail. We live in a fallen world, claimed by Satan and his minions. As children of God, we will be continually tormented so that our Lord is hurt.
“We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.”
-1 John 5:19
So when we embark on God’s mission, expect chaos and stress. When we try to bring glory to God, expect resistance. When we bow our heads in prayer, expect disgruntled moaning from the enemy. Sometimes even just being content in our good Lord is enough to send the enemy into a rage.
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.“
-Ephesians 6:12
Now for the story. This morning I was reminded of the time I spotted a cockroach in my parents’ house, made a clear swooping leap onto the dining table, and screamed my lungs out for my dad. He appeared promptly and took care of the pesky insect as if it were nothing. He cleared the area, checked for any more disruptors of my peace, and set me safely down on terra firma. How much more would our loving Father in Heaven do for us?
“It shall come to pass
-Isaiah 65:24
That before they call, I will answer;
And while they are still speaking, I will hear.”
When we are attacked by this world, it feels very real. But the point is this: when our fight feels hard, remember that Jesus was already victorious for us. We may be reacting to the enemy with fear, just like I did when I jumped on that dining table. Perhaps the answer is to bend our knees, bow our heads, and let God do the fighting for us.
“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”
-Romans 8:37
Dear God,
Thank You for being my protector and victorious War Captain. Please remind me that nothing can harm me in the safety of Your shield and buckler. Help me and my family find peace through gratitude for everything You have done for us, and in the promise that You are in control. I ask in Jesus’ precious name. Amen.