The enemy bragged, ‘I’ll chase them and catch them. I’ll take all their riches; I’ll take all I want. I’ll pull out my sword, and my hand will destroy them.
-Exodus 15:9
I was in the middle of writing this out when I received word about President Trump extending the lockdown until April 30th. I thought “oh man, what a perfect verse for what is happening right now!” The enemy would just love for us to feel defeated. To feel overwhelmed, to feel abandonment from God. It is easy to look at the things that my kids are missing out on; my oldest daughter is in track and was working so hard to earn her varsity letter as a freshman! ISHA was considering to push the season back so the kids could still get the whole season but, that runs into her cross-country season. She misses her team. She misses the group workouts. She misses her coaches, her teachers and her friends. She is still running everyday but, it is not the same. My youngest daughter is a social butterfly. She is really missing her teacher and her friends. She had just started ballet, tap and hip-hop dance classes. She has a recital coming up that may not happen now. Luckily, her instructor has been doing zoom videos to continue teaching her from a distance! My son who needs socialization and does not understand any of this is always asking why he can’t go to school. He loves his teacher and his paras, and asks for them daily. He needs his speech therapy and occupational therapy. He misses going to church. He has always been aware that Monday thru Friday are school days, Saturdays are grocery days and Sundays are Church days! It is heartbreaking to see my kids missing out on these things. It is so easy to focus on the negative. The enemy would love to use it to get us down.
But, the good news??
“He gives strength to those who are tired and more power to those who are weak... But the people who trust the Lord will become strong again. They will rise up like an eagle in the sky; they will run and not need rest; they will walk and not become tired.”
-Isaiah 40:29,31
Even though these times are tough, we can rest in God’s word! While the enemy threatens to destroy us with his sword, “God’s word is alive and working and is sharper than a double-edge sword” -Hebrews 4:12 Yes these times are trying but, I am trying to think of the positives in all this; I get to spend time with my kids that I otherwise wouldn’t get! We are usually so busy with sports that I cannot even think straight. God is allowing me to reset my mind. I am so thankful that my job will still be here when all is said and done. I am so thankful that we are able to continue to educate and keep our kids safe at home. I am able to get housework done that usually falls second to our busy schedules. My husband was able to take time of work and be home as a family! We have made so many valuable memories so far!
Next time you feel spiritually drained, inadequate or even struggling to pray, remember that you have a choice. You can either wrap yourself up in excuses and self-pity, or you can choose to draw your strength from unchanging God during these ever-changing times.
Lets pray,
God, you promised that if we had faith and hope in You that we could meet life’s problems. I pray that you give strength to those whose anxieties have buried their dreams, whose illnesses have hospitalized their hopes, whose burdens are bigger than their shoulders. If you are for us, who could be against us?
Hope to see your beautiful faces soon!
Jen
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