I've just returned from a trip overseas. It was a fantastic experience with new friends made and wonderful memories captured on camera and in my mind. Our group spent many months in prayerful preparation for this trip, raising money, seeking God's guidance, arranging all the logistics. And after a whirlwind two weeks overseas, we're back home, back to our regular routines and (for the most part) our regular sleep patterns.
Even before the trip ended, Satan started in on the lies: You're not doing any good here. You're just here for yourself. You're not making a difference to anyone you're meeting.
My birthday is tomorrow. Lately birthdays have become more melancholy. It's all too tempting to view my life from the perspective of where I thought I would be at this point in my life and where I actually am. And that provides more fodder for Satan: Your life is one big holding pattern. No one wants to spend their life with you. You blew your chances for the life you want long ago.
Lies, lies, lies. Yes, I know Satan is a deceiver, a thief who comes to steal and kill and destroy. But for some reason there are times when I still find myself buying into his lies. There are some days when the lies keep pounding away at my resistance and it's so easy to believe them.
Today I combatted those lies by reminding myself of some Truths:
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (Psalm 139:16b)
Regardless of what I can or cannot see going on in my life, God DOES have a plan for me. And not only does He have a plan, He's working it out RIGHT NOW.
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord. Open the eyes of my heart--I want to see you. I want to see you.
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2 days ago
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