I call it an art. You can call it a skill, a test, or even a miracle; but not scratching a mosquito bite is a beautiful thing.
Recently a squad mate enlightened me that the reason mosquito bites become so annoying is because we humans choose to scratch them the second the mosquito bites. Fun fact: if you choose to not scratch the bite for the first 5-10 minutes, you have avoided puncturing the sack the mosquito creates under the skin and it just disappears. Not to mention, the itch disappears too!
Fascinating.
You may not believe me. That’s okay.
It gets better.
Because of this idea, I’ve found myself asking the following question-
Are there other areas of my life that I need to learn not to scratch so that it won’t keep itching?
The enemy tests me on a daily basis. He comes biting, and sometimes just so happens to puncture my skin. When I fail to recognize the potential weight his bite has on my day/life, I give it a little scratch. Low and behold, I’m scratching with the enemy for days!
How can I avoid scratching the itch?
The itch is a lie the enemy is trying to use against me. It pushes me farther away from the life the Lord has set apart for me and leads to misunderstanding who He truly intended me to be.
Just as we have a choice to not scratch that sorry mosquito bite, we also have the choice to not believe a sneaky lie the enemy tries to sink us with.
So far on the race I’ve realized the bites come faster and stronger the more I dwell on the thought of getting bit. Likewise, the lies come faster and stronger the more I am in tune with the Holy Spirit. When I am consumed by the Lord’s goodness, the enemy has to try harder to itch his way in.
I combat the lies by calling them out! Our words are powerful and once we bring our situation into the light, it’s no loner hidden. Our reaction must be from a place of self-control. It takes discipline to resist the urge to scratch, and it takes discipline to train our hearts and minds to focus on the the promises God has for us, not the itch. I suffer momentarily (choosing not to scratch) because I understand the relief that will come from leaving the bite alone. And you too, can expect the enemy’s lies to disappear when you give it all to God.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear,
but rather a spirit of power and love
and a sound mind.”
2 Timothy 1:7
I’ve realized lies can come in a variety of forms. From bad habits, repeated sin, to any struggle or challenge we’re up against. When I choose into these things- recognizing them for what they really are- I meet the enemy face to face. That’s when I pull out the ammo! The weapons of Grace and Truth, that God has so graciously given us. With Grace and Truth, I can rest in the peace of knowing that we will overcome the struggle because Jesus overcame it all!
Just like mosquito bites, some lies are more frustrating and require more patience than others. Nevertheless, the ultimate goal is to see the beauty in choosing not to scratch- defeat the bite, defeat the enemy. Good news here: Jesus took care of the enemy for us, we just have to remember to invite Him into the battle when we want to itch.
I wanted to share some of my bites.
Lie: I’m a mess, and that disqualifies me from helping others in their messes.
Truth: Jesus said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
God knows my mess, yet He offers all the grace and mercy in the world when I invite Him into my mess. In turn, I walk in the freedom of being able to share that grace and mercy with others in their messes.
Lie: If Jesus is so good, why are these children hungry and struggling.
Truth: I have given them everything they need, not everything you want them to have. And look at the joy you have shared with them! That joy is my strength, which is all that they need. “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.” Matthew 20:14
Lie: I thrive for perfection, and fear failing will just lead to disappointment.
Truth: “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 75:1 Failure is inevitable. It’s going to happen- and when it does, it’s an opportunity to grow. Grow in faith, in character and into His love! For we are rooted and established in His perfect love, which casts out fear!
Consider the bites in your life. Consider the itches and the scratching.
Fight for the discipline to avoid scratching.
Fight for the self-control to train your mind!
Fight for the freedom in Truth!
… its a beautiful thing!
XOXO
Tay
