The armor of God is given because our battle is not against other people, but against spiritual forces and the evil one. Believers are able to withstand and fight in spiritual battles when equipped with the full spiritual armor God provides.
I laid on the post-op gurney in recovery, waiting for my newborn to curl-up on my chest and bond skin to skin. Instead, a man in green scrubs said something like, “Your son is not breathing well…we are transferring him to another hospital…we will know more later.” What?!
I stared at the tiled drop-ceiling, numb from the waist down with empty arms. For a few moments, I considered if I wanted to continue following Jesus. Why would He let this happen? I pondered the unknown road of my son’s life. Would he live? Would he die? Walking through the next few days terrified me. So, I imagined flinging my body into the arms of the Father, pounding His chest in anger as He held me close. I hated what God allowed—and I so desperately needed Him.
Following God does not isolate us from pain. Believers throughout the world suffer various kinds of hardships (1Peter 5:8). Scripture is filled with examples of faithful sufferers. The book of Job might be one of the most notorious. Job loved God, accumulated immense wealth, and enjoyed numerous children. Then Satan asked God if he could test Job’s faith. God permitted the testing, and Job lost all his wealth and children in one day. Tribal attacks and natural catastrophes—of hurricane winds and raining fire—annihilated his cattle, livestock, and children.
Job fell to his knees and said, “The LORD gives, and the LORD takes away. Blessed be the name of the LORD” (Job 1:21).
I responded in a less honorable way when doctors told me my son had a fifty-fifty chance of survival due to a hole in his diaphragm. But I took my anger to God instead of turning away. Satan wants us to look at our circumstances and turn from God. But we are to “resist him, standing firm in our faith” (1Peter 5:8–9 NIV).
So how can we stand firm when the ground of our lives gives way? We can fix our minds on truth. Trials sometimes consume our thinking, but we can “demolish arguments and…take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2Corinthians 10:4–5).
Every night I sat for hours on the cold tile floor of the Ronald McDonald House, armoring my mind with the promises of God as my son struggled to live. And God was faithful. He strengthened me and guarded me against the evil one (1Thessalonians 3:3). He restored, established, and supported me. One moment at a time (1Peter 5:10).
One month after my son entered the world, we brought him home. As I walked out of the NICU, a nurse ran up to me and said something like, “I’ve never seen a baby heal the way he did.” I praise God—but not every trial ends where we want it to. Even when we suffer loss, may we be able to say, “The LORD gives, and the LORD takes away. Blessed be the name of the LORD” (Job 1:21).
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121 thoughts on "Stand in Spiritual Warfare"
This was a beautiful reminder❤️
I turn from God when I feel shameful for sin. This was a great reminder that I need to turn TO Him.
This battle is not mine it belongs to the Lord I give you praise Lord!
We are not alone in our struggles, God hasn’t promised that life will be easy but we have a gracious father who loves us and wants us to come to him with our anger, frustration and sadness. He loves us and he can take whatever we are feeling. STAND FIRM – like a tree planted by streams of living water – Jeremiah 17:7-8
We are not alone in our struggles, God hasn’t promised that life will be easy but we have a gracious father who loves us and wants us to come to him with our anger, frustration and sadness. He loves us and he can take whatever we are feeling.
In my immense postpartum anxiety, I will continue to remember and pray this over myself. God will heal me.
Even when I am overwhelmed with emotion I know he will always provide. My human struggles are of this life. One day we will be made whole again.
We must praise the Lord in the good and bad. Find our strength in Him always. Blessed in the name of the Lord
We must seek the Lord in our struggles,
Let’s put on the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, helmet salvation, and sword of the spirit (word of God) and fight together for our Father. We fight from victory, not for victory.
This reminded me that no matter what hardships I encounter my final response should be blessed be the name of the lord
Great reminder to always go to God.
I really needed this today, thank you.
The armor of God us given because our battle is not against other people, but against spiritual forces and the evil one. Amen
Such a good reminder of how we should bring everything before God, rather than turning away. He is here for every moment of our lives, not just when we feel Him worthy of praise.
Loving the plan so far
God please be with us. Please take my thoughts captive. Give me your peace and wisdom and clarity of thought.
Enjoying this plan so far
It’s amazing what God can do through trials & loss if you surrender to Him.
Such a good reminder today!
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Our minds are powerful things, and equipped with the Armour of God, enlightened by the Holy Spirit… through Him we can do mighty things. “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds” 2 Cor 10:4
Oh I needed this reminder. I’ve recently been going through lots of trials, professionally, in my relationship with my boyfriend, we had a sudden suicide death, and physically it’s taken a toll on me. I’ve been battling (poorly) about my thoughts, and anger (not to God but to other treating me). This devotional is perfectly timed for me. I need the armour of God. I need to take my thoughts captive and resist the devil. I have been so humbled, and it all hurts. Yet, I’ve also seen God show up in so many ways. He hasn’t left me or forgotten about me. So I will to say Lord help me to honestly and truly say, you give and you take away, blessed be your name!
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After my mom’s sudden death and during some struggles with my son, I often imagined myself curled up in Jesus arms, praying for the peace that passes all understanding and He always provided it…
I needed this reminder this morning. God has restored my health, and healed the hearts of my family. Thank you Lord
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I pray for faith like Job. While reflecting on his loss I realize that he really didn’t lose anything because God loves him so much that he will have everything given back 10 fold. I pray that in my worst season I can have the presence of peace and cry out to God for understanding.
This was such a hard day. I remember begging my then husband to bring me to assessment because I felt something was off. After over an hour he finally drove me. We then learned at 22 weeks that I was in full blown labor. There were so many words thrown at me I honestly do not even remember. Almost 7 weeks of hospital bed rest, separated from my 2 year old son, few visitors, and a bunch of shots I delivered this 3 pound, 16 inch beautiful baby girl. It was such an overwhelming delivery. I’m sure the nurses and staff thought I was nuts as I was speaking in tounge as I was being rolled to the OR. All I could do was call unto Him though. I was scared. My flesh was terrified. But my spirit knew who to call and trust in. 76 days, 1 major surgery, 2 minor procedures, and a LOT of prayers later I brought home my beautiful baby girl. I spent so many minutes on my knees crying out to the Lord. Many asking WHY?!?! 10 years later, I remind her of this daily and remind her how special she is and how God has such a big plan for her. I have to continue to trust and thank God daily for her asking him to continue to guide both of us so we can do His works. It has not been an easy road . There have been obstacles, set backs, and a ton of bumps, but it’s been a testimony every step of the way.
Just wanted to let you know you aren’t alone. I had those fears and anxiety when my daughters were that small too. Praying for God’s peace to comfort and quiet you. I’m praying for Him to guard your baby’s heart, mind, and body and fill your home with peace. I started praying that prayer over my girls as babies and they beg for that prayer at bedtime at 8 and 10 years old. Hang in there!
Hey Jennifer! That’s definitely something hard to deal with. Sometimes it feels like the world is in this ball and like we are the only one on the outside of it, even around others like us. Although it can be hard, it’s not bad. If we were of the world, then we would be like the world. Anyways I just wanted to let you know that opening up is hard but rewarding, and most likely someone else is going through something similar or relatable. Just know that you aren’t alone and that you not only have God rooting for you but many of your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ! And hey, maybe God is calling you to share first about you’re issues, to spark a conversation or even provide comfort to others dealing with similar situations. God always finds a purpose for every season, remember that you are loved and to keep you’re beautiful eyes focused on loving and serving the Lord❤️
I’m so sorry for your loss, Mary. ❤️
Love this
I was not sure I wanted to read the devotional or comments lots of times I am disconnected from the community because no one is dealing with my specific issues. I did find the scripture helpful and encouraging and even some of the comments encouraging.
I lost my son in the NICU two years ago. I struggled with hurt and feeling let down by God, but God was faithful and gave me what I needed to survive and thrive after my loss. God is faithful even in the darkest season. He can bless even grieving hearts ♥️
We lost our second baby in January. It was an early pregnancy loss, but so very prayed for, and so very loved for the short time we planned and dreamed and celebrated. In the days that followed, and months since, thinking on Job saying, “Blessed be the name of the Lord,” in the most horrible moment of his life gave me so much comfort and peace. I knew I had a choice to make. I could either turn away from the One who has never left or turned from me, or I could run to Him and say “Blessed be the name of the Lord, even when I’m hurting, even when I’m wondering if things will ever feel better, even when I’m feeling lost and helpless.” I’m so thankful for a God that never leaves or forsakes us, even when we don’t understand His ways. Blessed be the name of the Lord!
We lost our second baby in January. It was an early pregnancy loss, but so very prayed for, and so very loved for the short time we planned and dreamed and celebrated. In the days that followed, and months since, thinking on Job saying, “Blessed be the name of the Lord,” in the most horrible moment of his life gave me so much comfort and peace. I knew I had a choice to make. I could either turn away from the One who has never left or turned from me, or I could run to Him and say “Blessed be the name of the Lord, even when I’m hurting, even when I’m wondering if things will ever feel better, even when I’m feeling lost and helpless.”
We lost our second baby in January. It was an early pregnancy losss
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Following God does not exclude us from pain and suffering the Bible is full of faithful sufferers… this was such a great realization sometimes we forget that we’re not immune from suffering because we live in a fallen world. But we do access to the one who can redeem and restore everything.
I’m going through a breakup after four failed marriages and countless failed relationships.. I had grown a lot on the past three years.. and finally thought I had found my one.. but he had a very codependent relationship with his daughter and family.. and it just made things hard.. I’ve been through lots of traumas in my life.. and just felt like I wanted one thing to be right. I feel foolish for struggling so much reading so many of your comments. Praying for healing for myself and each of you.
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Thank you for your constant prayers. ❤️❤️
I’m really struck by Job’s response to WORSHIP. He does all the appropriate mourning activities because he is sad at his many, many losses but then he worships how good our God is.
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I loved The Armor of God small group study I participated in last year at church with Priscilla Shirer’s teachings. Rhonda J – I think you still feel on fire after yours too! Prayer was the anchor of the study and Priscilla always listed it along with the 6 parts of armor because it’s critical in keeping Satan from having power over our lives. She said scholars wrote that Paul burst into prayer as he wrote Ephesians with 55% more verses directly related to prayer than Romans, his longest letter. Thank you Chelsea Hoogenboom, Molly Rohrer and others sharing your powerful testimonies of hope. Thank you SRT for your hard work putting the studies, devotions and podcasts together. I am praying for all on this site each day and night – sometimes by names and situations and sometimes just please bless the needs and requests of all on SRT as a “reminder to pray” pops up on my phone. So grateful that we can pray for each other in truth and love and grateful for all of you. ❤️
I remember the night my daughter at 22 years old had passed away. As I paced the floors of our home two verses came to mind and one of them was “the Lord gives and the Lord takes away”. This was such an odd comfort as I realized He was still in control. Nothing escapes His watch and it was only Him who would escort her into glory. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
I remember whispering the very same words Job did when I found out about my miscarriage. While I had my mind fixed on Truth that day (with the grace of God), I don’t every day. Lord, please help me fix my mind on Truth and root it in your Word, which brings forth Truth and everlasting light.
Dabria, my sister’s parents are also older. We have the same mom, but different dads. She worries as well about them being older. Don’t put all that pressure on yourself to be perfect. God has a plan for each of us, including your parents. Love God and be on your own journey with Him, but don’t feel as if it is adjacent to your parents health. I hope this helps.
Catching up and wanted to give a shout out to all, but especially wanted to respond to …
MOLLY ROHROR.. What an awesome testimony.. ’tis true, so very thankful for those silent prayers, those who continually are praying for us..
Blessings dear one..❤
MELINDA SIMMONS.. Praying with you for that God’s timing will release your husband from his current job, and if not, that at least your husband will know peace until then. ❤
MARI V ❤
RHONDA J..Sharing a hug from across the pond, dear sister..❤
TRICIA CAVANAUGH.. Praying with you in the wait.. God is near to the broken hearted. He sees. He hears. He knows.
Sending love wrapped hugs across the pond..❤
MICHELLE PATIRE..giving thanks with you, to the Lord, for He IS good.. keep praying and hoping..❤
HEIDI.. ❤
TAYLOR.. praying that the blanket of depression be lifted IN THE MIGHTY NAME OF JESUS..❤
KRISTYN WRIGHT, LINDA GILBOW.. So so very sorry for your loss, praying peace for your hearts and minds. Praying God envelops you in His loving arms as you mourn..
Love wrapped in prayers..❤
KRISTEN.. sending you love, wrapped in thanks for being there for others in their sorrow of loss.. bless you.❤
CHURCHMOUSE.. I love you my friend.. God bless you and yours..❤
KRISTIE PARADIS.. BUT GOD, indeed..❤
LAURA..He who has began a good work will indeed, see it to the end..
He is faithful. Praying ..❤
SEARCHING.. you saint, you! Praying over you and your praying heart.. I love you my sister from across the pond!❤
CATHERINE FALCONER..BUT GOD, dear sidter, BUT GOD.. praying..❤
DOROTHY..remembering what God has done for me.. thank you wrapped in love..❤
MERCY.. I love that song, thankbyou for the reminder..Blessings.❤
DANA COOK.. Sending you love, prayers and hugs..
So so very sorry for your loss..❤
CHELSEA HOOGENBOOM..God is so beautifully good..He is faithful. He is good. He is constant and so very mercy-filled.
Praising Him for you..❤
BUT GOD..
Ever faithful, ever true..
Hugs to all..❤
Sorry. Just cry out to God. He knows and sees all. He knows your sons struggles and will bring Him back to you. Forgiveness goes a long way too….What ever has been.
Molly, what an incredible testimony, thank you for sharing. How powerful it is for us to intercede on other’s behalf!
This is a very nice and an encouraging reading. God bless
Job is incredible. I pray my faith is as deeply rooted as his. Also a great reminder of how temporary everything on Earth is. He gives & takes away. I pray that when both occur, I never cease to worship & praise Him.
I prayed tonight before reading that I would be strengthened by what I read, and I was. I’ve been having anxiety that’s kept me awake the last few nights thinking of my 5 and half month old baby girl not waking up in the morning. It’s always been a fear in the back of my mind, but lately it’s front and center. I’m rocking her to sleep right now and laying my anxiety down at his feet..Or at least really trying to.
Sweet Dabria, there is grace for our mistakes and God is so good and merciful. He will not take your parents away because of your choices or being a “bad person”. Keep coming to the Bible. I pray God would root truth and peace deep into your heart and uproot lies.
It’s so important to remember that our enemy is Satan. He is trying to fool us into believing that our enemies are other humans who don’t have the same values and beliefs that we do. They are not the true enemy, they are just pawns who are allowing themselves to be used by Satan because that is all he has. We have to put on the full armor of God so we can protect ourselves and spread the gospel.
Thank you Kristen. I’m so sorry for your losses. I wish I could say that I responded like Job in that time of loss and despair, but I didn’t. I was angry. I was heartbroken. It was the wee hours of Mother’s Day morning, and I lay in bed bleeding, weeping, and holding the remains of another baby and I was angry. I still struggle with this sometimes, and I needed today’s reading to help me reframe the purpose of that pain and remember God’s promise.
10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. – 1 Peter 5:10
Praying for your son GAYLE!
i pray that i will have less anxiety, i worry everyday. i’m scared of my parents dying. i’m 17 and my parents had me older. i just don’t want to lose them. i’m scared God will take them away if i am too much if a bad person
“Everything we preached in the sunshine, we believed in this valley.” – Levi Lusko. Yes, Lord, you give and you take away. Please help me to praise you in my grief.
Sorry I know it’s hard. I know I have peace because of my telling God … he knows me and my daughter and sees all am that has been for us. Prayer is our spiritual battle.
WOW! Job is very inspirational. I was just talking about this with my mom yesterday. I said that I never wanted to abandon my faith, no matter what happens in my life. To think Job refused to curse God, although the people around Him wanted Him to do it. Job lost everything and yet people today give up their faith for something so small. American culture like to pressure us to leave our faiths when we lose everything.. but I hope that our faiths would be stronger than that!
I pray I can stand in Jesus even when life is difficult and doesn’t make sense. I am often not as aware of the spiritual battle that wages all around us. I pray that I would be aware.
Oh my. This study is by far my favorite so far. Imagine we all had an armor of God. We would overcome so much and
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We pray for blessings. We pray for peace. Comfort for family, protection while we sleep. We pray for healing, for prosperity. We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering. All the while, You hear each spoken need. What if Your healing comes through tears. What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You’re near. What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise.// this is a song called “Blessings” and the lyrics come to my mind. The melody is ever so sweet and gentle, but it talks about another side of God. Sometimes pain is the way that draws us quickest to God. And God allows man to go through pain or such destruction for the greater purpose of our salvation (1 Corinthians 5:5). It hurts. Pain has a big purpose. “Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. And, weak men create hard times.” And amen that He too let His beloved Son suffered great pain that He can help us through our suffering. The Lord sees our future, He knows the strategies to get us to His Kingdom. and there are stages of refinement, we go through the baptism of water, of Holy Spirit, and of fire which burns (Luke 3:16). Praying for God’s mercy and grace as we endure the burning fire of testing/refinement, that we be strengthened and hold on to faith through the example of Job.
Needed this greatly today!
To stand wearing the whole armor of God; Praise his holy name!! ❤️
Having lost my only son to a meth overdose two weeks ago, I am learning
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. – Ephesians 6:13
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To all the mamas praying for your kiddos who have not come back to Jesus, keep praying! I was lost, stuck in addiction + toxic relationships for 10 years. My parents prayed consistently and gave me to Jesus, I was in His hands and every step of the way, He was with me. I am now 2 years clean and 2 years into Bible college + am studying to do something pastoral. He is faithful! He is good! He is constant! Keeping praying!
Molly, thank you for sharing that beautiful picture of intercession! Your words capture the meaning and intent of the scripture so vividly and inspire me to keep these weapons in mind as I fight for my family, friends and our world.
What a blessing that you can recognize the battle that was waging and won for your healing. In studying the Old Testament writings I’ve been reminded so often of the command to remember.
Again, thank you for your humility in sharing. What a blessing you must be to others as you stand strong and bring His Joy to others.❤️
When my older son, George, first died at times I would ask God why but then I realized there was a reason. George loved God, Christ and the Holy Spirit and I knew that so I could also tell that about him and remind people, especially youngsters, that they need to rely on God and they ARE NOT invincible. Yes bad things happen to good people, God-worshipping people, but we NEED TO REMEMBER God allowed His One and Only Son to be crucified for us and our sins.
Sisters, be blessed and ALWAYS, ALWAYS rely on GOD.
Molly, I loved your testimony! So beautiful. Thankful for others who labor and cover us with their prayers when we are unable to do so ourselves.
We often think of putting on the armor of God as a personal task, but I have often felt like it is granted to some to put it on for others who are not able or willing to do it themselves. My senior year of high school, after a series of concussions while playing sports, the chemical imbalances in my head caused a deep and dark depression. I was consumed by anxiety and spent countless hours imprisoned in my mind while I hid in my bed. I passed the time trying to plan “an escape” from the never-ending darkness. Years later, as my mind mended and I emerged from the pit, I was overcome with gratitude at the countless people who were girding my loins with truth, covering my heart in righteousness, shodding my feet with Good News…. The powerful shield of THEIR faith that I know, I KNOW, prevented all the fiery darts! The helmet of salvation was never more needed than when my physical head was suffering – I was a believer, and that presence of God in me protected me in my very real vulnerability. And the swords of truth that circled about me and beat back the lies were exhausting to my army about me, but they kept them up and swinging until the fight was over. The amount of prayer heaped on me when I neither knew or cared is the most humbling. I refused to be a participant in the battle over my own life, but so many covered my weary soul as I curled up in a ball and waited to be rid of this dark world. Sometimes I look at the sweet faces of my 4 kids, the new land we miraculously bought a couple years ago, or I soak up sweet moments with my husband and I think of all would have missed out if others hadn’t put on their armor and then fought to cover me in my darkest battle.
Everything was taken and he worshiped!! WOW – I don’t believe I would do the same. Lord help me to have a heart like Job- one centered on You, reminding me that “the Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord”
My husband is in a job that is draining him. We have prayed for a way out for years, but God has kept him where he is. Today’s reading helped me to remember that His timing is perfect. There’s a reason for this time in my husbands life, and it’s so important that I intercede for him!
It’s through those valleys and heartaches, disappointments, sometimes even very scary situations and those times when you feel like you can’t go on, is when I have felt the closest to my God my Jesus. As I sit here at the end of my quiet time, watching the sunrise (which is so beautiful), I am reminded I don’t walk this life alone. I trust my God and my Jesus even when it’s hard and I don’t understand, I trust HIM because I have no other way to go but to HIM!
Lord I desire to rejoice and not grumble, change my heart and teach me to stand firm. Amen
Thank you Sean’s
Pain. Pain will come. Am I equipped?
I often think like this. I’m not sure why. When my life is going along smoothly, even exceedingly well in many blessings and goodness- then- the What if? Why do I fear and be anxious of tomorrow?
It is ALL in God’s hands. We have to give up that control, fear, and anxiousness. Our God is a big God. And He already sent His Son, and even gave us the Spirit!! To dwell in us. It’s all so overwhelming to think on, but as we go along in our prayer life and reading the Word, God equips us and draws us near, under His wing. If we didn’t suffer or have conflicts, attacks, health issues, and the endless lists of trauma we would less likly turn to our Almighty Healer and Substainer. How can we grow, how can we rest in this assurance and dependence? That is the question although hard.
As Christians, let’s BE there for those around us suffering. Let’s open our eyes to see them, and our hearts to give up our time, to put it towards enlarging God’s kingdom. The time is near, the world is upside down. It is time for Christians to not only go to church on Sundays but to impact their community and the downtrodden daily. Be open and let the Spirit guide you! I see this so often in the SRT daily comments! Supporting and loving, and praying!! Let’s keep moving forward, lifting others, or just hugging and listening. We are needed more than ever!
Catherine, I have a son who won’t talk to me either. All I can do is pray for him and his family.
Traci G — I loved what you shared yesterday about your journey with Tanner. I sense in your writings there is just so much you have gone through, but praise God He has held you and you have not let go. May You continue to stay close to Him and may your pain be turned to encouragement for many.
I just wanted to share a small praise report. I have three sisters and three brothers. I am the oldest girl of 7 kids. I have one older brother, everyone else is younger. My brothers are all going to church– and at least attempting to spend time with the Lord lol. We were raised Catholic and were NOT taught to read our Bibles like our lives depended on it.
However, since moving back with my parents in 2020, I have been praying for my three younger sisters to be drawn to Jesus. I’m not sure where their hearts are at, but I do believe the Lord told me that all of them will be in heaven — so I do believe that.
Anyway, my sisters are currently not interested in church or practices of faith. They call it “religion” — which I don’t know if that bothers you ladies, but it feels offensive when someone calls my beautiful quality time with Jesus “religion” – – LOL
So despite everyone’s pleading against this, my one sister stubbornly moved into her boyfriend’s dad’s house states away from us. Yesterday, we received an Easter card from her. In it was a blessing and hand written Psalm 118:1 – “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.”
It touched me so much because it showed me God is working in her heart. This is the same sister who told me not to share Scripture with her because she doesn’t want religion forced at her (I wasn’t doing that, but she said it because she was defensive about her lack of faith, I think.)
sharing my story to bless y’all and also say thanks for prayers!! God is working behind the scenes. Cliche, but true. “Even when I can’t see it, You’re working” – Waymaker, Miracle worker!!! <3
He’s taught me through painful experiences completely beyond my doing/control, that knowing Him, following Him does not exclude me from pain and hurt and excruciating circumstances. Following Him does not always remove the circumstance, but it WILL bring God into it and will miraculously shift my focus and my experience within the hard circumstance.
It will change the memory of that experience from “look at the suffering, remember the pain” to “look what God did, remember His nearness”.
When I suffered an unusually difficult miscarriage (they are ALL difficult, I’m just meaning some specific circumstances surrounding this one in particular made it even more problematic than expected…) and I chose to challenge God and what He said about being near the broken-hearted and supplying joy in the midst of suffering- He took me up on it and did not fail. My baby was still gone. The process of “removing” what had to be “delivered” out of my body was the most excruciating, devastating pain I’ve ever known. And as I sang worship songs and spoke verses of comfort and strength endlessly through those hours, He was there covering the entire event with His pure Goodness. I can testify that, while simultaneously experiencing the appropriate feelings of loss and pain and hurt and confusion, I fully experienced joy, nearness, strength, peace. I’ll never be able to fully explain it. But when I look back on that season, I still feel and know the loss but (praise God!) it’s through a filter of provision, love, and closeness with my Father.
I can’t express enough what worship does. It’s an unbelievably powerful weapon to add to our armor.
Thank you Laura for sharing your story. Vulnerability like this is a gift to us all. Bless you.
This has always been something I’ve struggled with feeling hurt and angry towards God. But I’m trying from a why God to what God attitude. Instead of asking why is this happening asking what am I to learn from this and then praising him for the work he’s doing in me.
Taylor, you’ve come to my mind many times in the last weeks…Thankful to see you’re posting again… I love your ♥️…Jesus does, too! Each day is a gift. And as Elizabeth Elliot says, “Just do the next thing”, the thing that is in front of you, trusting God to walk with you through it, and trusting Him with your future…praying with you…
As I read Job’s response to trials, I am disheartened by my own previous failures to respond to trial. How many times have I turned from God? But God. I am in awe and praise of God’s grace. In the midst of a terrible health crisis last year, after years of rejecting Him, I called out to Him. And He was- He is- He will be- there. As Peter said (1 Peter 5:10), “The God of all grace who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little while.”
Abide.
Abide in Him.
Dear Lord, help me to be more like Job. Forgive me from turning from You when I fail to understand Your plan and strengthen me to endure hardship. Blessed be the name of the Lord! Amen.
He knows your heart girl! And he knows your every need. I had to be cautious when I was first saved. I couldn’t run with abandon into my fathers arms, trusting him with even little things, let alone things that I saw as important. But he is gentle, patient and kind and waited for me. Showed me his faithfulness and then continued to wait. Over and over, until I could genuinely give my heart to him. Oh we serve a great God! Jump in when you’re ready. The water is beautiful. ❤️✝️
Lord I pray for strength to resist the devil’s schemes that I would stand firm in You! I pray that I would take every thought captive and make it obedient to You. Please give me Your divine strength to walk through this day faithful to only You.
Praying for your anxiety @Sarah D! I have been hit with waves of anxiety too in the last few weeks.
My son did not survive. In 2020 we buried our newborn. This is a heart wrenching subject- the theodicy of how a loving God can allow deep pain and suffering. Sometimes our fervent prayers aren’t answered and that period of literally fighting against God lasts much longer. It’s a darkest night of the soul situation. But who else experienced one? Jesus. He is right there in our suffering- in fact that’s when we are closest to God’s heart.
I am so sorry for your huge loss. 16 years ago my 19 year old was murdered. I, too, struggled with my faith – It’s a long journey, isn’t it? Your grief is still new and my heart aches for you. I don’t have the answer to “why?” for either one of us, but have finally been able to leave it with God. I will pray for you, sister, as you mourn.
God I will continue to praise you despite of what it looks like!!!! Thank you for your glory in my life!!!
The gravity of Job’s losses are black if on a gradient scale, yet his response was white as snow. I have carried his story as a great balancer on the scale of my own life. Dust to dust, blessed be the name of the Lord, who was and is and always will be holding me. Take every thought captive. Wield the divine weapons of warfare. Destroy the arguments in my head that are contradictory to God’s truth. The accuser can point at me, but I am innocent in Christ. Abba, Father, I love you with my whole heart. I am a princess warrior in the name of Christ. Blessed be my Rock who trains my hands for war. I will stand. Until… Maranatha.
It is important for us to remember that we are not fighting people, but instead are fighting “the schemes of the devil.” In my life, I have been hurt by people, as we all have, and I try very hard to forgive them, because I know that Satan wants me to stay in my hurt and bitterness.
But God…
God wants me to forgive so I can receive his full gift. Often those people are hurting too, and they may not realize that they can go to God for comfort, but instead are looking for it in the world.
I love how in 2 Corinthians it says we demolish arguments and every proud thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God and we take every thought captive to obey Christ. I just love the word flow of demolishing arguments. Especially in this day and age when all people seem to want to do is argue. They can be exhausting and frustrating, but with God and knowing the truth we can take every thought captive and hold it up to the light of Him. I will share with you ladies the questions that accompanied today’s study from the paperback book of this study: 1.) What do today’s readings say about the enemy we are fighting? 2.) Thinking about what you read today, what is God’s role in spiritual warfare? What is yours? How does that encourage you in the trials you are currently facing? I hope everyone has a week of comfort, of feeling the deep love He has for you.
Prayers for you all today. @Leigh, Sara, and Stephanie and all that experienced the loss of a baby, I’m so sorry. I buried my first daughter.She was stillborn and I also had a miscarriage. Years later, one day before the anniversary of delivering my daughter, Angel, that was stillborn I received a call from my friend saying that her baby was gone. He was also stillborn. I tried to be there for her as she was grieving. I said this to her and she said this helped. I told her that every life has purpose and meaning. My life changed because of losing my two babies. Although, they never took a breath outside the womb, their lives have meaning. So many events happened because of loss. I met people and I ended up in places where I would not have gone because of my daughter’s life and passing. May God comfort you all and strengthen you all.
Following God does not isolate us from pain. So true, thankfully we can turn to him for comfort, direction, and strength, praise God.
BUT GOD. 2 3-letter words – small sentence with a BIG meaning! No matter the situation, the struggle, the hardship, those words overcome it all!! Because of those words, we can find peace in utter chaos; we can find joy in the midst of sadness; we can forgive the unforgivable; we can love the unlovable; and, we can smile in the face of darkness. Repeat it until you believe it, even if it take 1,000 times! But God!!
20 years ago I was plunged into a dark valley, not of my own doing. I felt there was no one to turn to who had experienced this type of circumstance. At times my faith weakened, like a leaf in the wind but I stayed connected to the Vine. I voraciously read the Word. I prayed more deeply and honestly than I ever had before. I worshiped God daily, often in tears, by surrounding myself with praise music. It was my Job moment though certainly not as severe. It was also my God moment where I chose to trust in Him regardless of the outcome. It felt like He was all I had. I found He was all I needed. I look back at that dark valley as a testing of my faith. It was a defining moment that I now treasure. More hardships have followed of course, as this life is not easy. There are times of bewilderment about what God is doing and why. But I never think He doesn’t love me or care about me or that He will abandon me. I abide in Him. He abides in me. And that makes all the difference.
God allows suffering, because He wants us to choose to run to Him, to need Him, to trust Him! Sometimes, we have good outcomes to trial, other times, we have not so good outcomes – our response to God should be the same either way. Is that easy…no!! But, that is why it is so important to put on and leave on the armor of God, so that we are ready for anything the devil tries! Will we react perfectly every time something happens? No, but that is where God’s grace comes in! No matter what, He will never leave us nor forsake us!! ❤️❤️
What a powerful message today. The trials some are able to withstand with the armor of God is astounding. We are all strong ladies when we equip properly!
That’s it Latrice….we can’t change the things that have already taken place or that we have experienced. However the Word is healing our heart as we read, study and meditate on it. The word this morning truly started healing my heart by helping me understand even more.
Thankful that the Lord restores, establishes, and supports us. Praying that I would lean on him when my anxiety is high. Prayers appreciated friends…my anxiety was a lot yesterday. Trying to keep a positive attitude and not let it affect my mood, but its hard. I just want it to go away when I’m at work answering calls. Surrendering this to the Lord.
I think it’s so important that God promises suffering. In Jobs case, he even blesses it. It is inevitable that life will be hard. God promises that. But what he also promises is that if we are to be faithful to him in our lives and turn to Him when things do get hard, that He will carry us through the mess. It’s so hard to see in the moments how that could even be possible. When we are drowning in sorrows and difficulties. But God. He gives us armor to fight this spiritual warfare and, thanks fully for Jesus, we don’t have to do it alone.
I’ve shared my story before, but I share it again to be a witness to others. Six years ago my husband confessed his affair to me. It was the darkest valley I ever walked through. He was in Christian ministry. He resigned. Our youngest daughter was in full-fledged rebellion at the time. Getting into trouble with the law, lots of things. I could have really turned on God. I have been a believer most of my life. But two years prior I felt the Holy Spirit speak to me in such an audible way that Satan was going to try to take our family down. My husband was having a lot of success in the ministry he was leading. Things seemed so good in our family. But I was prompted to pray, and so I did, as faithfully as I could, for healing for my marriage, for healing for my rebellious daughter. For two years I prayed. Nothing got better, only worse. The confession was the breaking point. The deep valley. I walked through it holding onto God. Every step of the way. I could not have made it through without Him. He was certainly my Strength. It has taken six long years to rebuild our marriage. Our daughter is still not restored. But God has been faithful and I will never stop believing and praising Him for His strength through the fire. Praise the Lord.
❤️
This comes at perfect timing … Right now my oldest daughter is to have some medical tests done to figure somethings abd my heart is heavy wondering what goig
I hate that I feel like I’m cautiously dipping my toes in the water instead of plunging in… I believe whole heartedly in the goodness of God, but it’s hard to say I’d handle big situations if worldly heartache like Job. Praying for the Lord to stay close to me as I intentionally armor myself each day as I grow in my strength in the Lord,
Wow- my son had a diaphragmatic hernia at birth as well, and survived. He’ll be 35 this year. Praise the Lord!
CATHERINE FALCONER – praying for your daughter
Trying to memorize these armor verses. Thank you, CLAIRE B, I love the idea you shared on praying these verses every day. I think the specifics will help keep me focused.
GRAMSIESUE – praying for y’all and this week’s appointment
KIRA HESS – joining you in prayer for your father in law
MELANIE – praying for daily strength and answers to what you are dealing with
AZ WALKER – you are on my mind this morning, praying for you today.
BROOKE P – praying for your dr appt tomorrow.
2 Thess 3:3 But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.
Thank You Lord to Your faithfulness to keep me “soul safe” in this world.
Praying for the requests ❤
I lift my sister up to you, Jesus. I believe she is susceptible to the darkness – she feels it in her body, she displays it with her mood. Show me how I can actively help her while remaining in constant prayer for her. She makes it difficult to really know how she feels or what is going on due to becoming more reclusive, guarded and private. My parents and I try to give her space, but it leaves us in the dark. Holy Spirit groans for us and lifts her needs up to the Father, but I pray that I may be led in knowing what to say, how to say it and when to let it be. Amen.
CATHERINE, I’m praying 1 Peter:5v10 for you and your daughter ❤️
One moment at a time. God sometimes does things “suddenly” but often it’s one moment at a time so that we can look back and testify to His faithfulness.
Lord help me run to you through the trials of life.
We do not wage far with the weapons of the flesh. Manipulation, deceit, striving for power, smooth words. The world may promote these as good weapons, we have been given something much stronger. Truth, righteousness, the Spirit, faith, the words of the gospel. This requires that we don’t rely on our own strength, humbleness. But this is the only way in which we can change all wrong thoughts and perceptions.
Praying for you Catherine.
Hi my son did the same many years ago but God reminded me he was like the prodigal son. He would return and he did, but not yet to Jesus. Be encouraged. God knows where your kids are and if He can bring back the prodigal, hHe can bring yours back too ❤️❤️
I hope I responded well when my daughter left home in August last year. I reminded Satan that Jesus has already won the battle. I keep asking God Why…!? in the way it happened did my daughter not tell me what she was experiencing etc. I know that she is also teaching her what holiness and sin are. They are so apart from each other. She doesn’t talk or email/message me either.