The Enemy

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. I John 4:4

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

*

In his extremely thought (and heart!) provoking book, Waking the Dead, John Eldredge makes quite a point about the enemy, Satan. Eldredge reminds us that Jesus Himself said that the thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. So why doesn't anybody seem to believe that he actually does steal, kill, and destroy?

My guess is that the thing Satan most wants to steal is God's glory. It was Lucifer's original sin, after all. Isaiah 14:11-13 tells about the enemy's fall into pride and wickedness.

I won't try to tackle or say I begin to fully understand the scope of Satan's power or its limitations under God's sovereign control.

One thing I am learning though, when things get tough or don't go as expected, is to pay close attention to my response. Does my reaction to this disappointment or inconvenience glorify Jesus? Am I recognizing that He is very much in control and that the frustration or pain at hand is intended for my good, for His glory? Are we not promised that all things work together for good, for those who love God and are called according to His purpose? (Romans 8:28)

God, grant me the grace to look to You in faith during difficult times. Allow me the privilege of bringing You glory in my response to adversity. I am weak and sinful and so quick to complain!


*

My life is not always easy and not always pretty. Yesterday morning, I woke up after way too little sleep, had my shower and got dressed. I was anticipating our trip to the airport mid-morning to pick up BB's sweet sister and her baby.

Then, I bent over and did something to my back. Oh no. Ouch! I immediately thought of someone to blame, then hobbled downstairs with my grumpy self and plopped in a chair, announcing my injury to BB, then proceeding to quite irrationally (and sinfully) blame it on him.

What a start to the day, eh? BB very calmly, very kindly asked me questions, trying to figure out what was really bothering me. Turns out I got pretty stressed out the day before about some things, then the lack of sleep factor just added to the emotional mess that I was.

In the end, BB had to work from home, get his sister from the airport, and be Mr. Mom. And of course, I had some sincere and humble apologizing to do. And while they were at the airport, I had a chance for a big, loud, cleansing cry and prayer time with the Lord, during which I began to see that I needed to respond with praise, worship and thanksgiving for the change of plans (the back injury). Thank you, God, for your perfect plans and for a humble and servant-hearted and patient husband.