A little crazy, but I'm realizing just how TRUE God's Word really is.
You think, "Well, my gosh, Megan. You're just now getting this? Didn't you grow up in the church? You've been learning about Jesus since you took your first breath! Weren't you saved when you were in 2nd grade and baptized at 8 years old? Haven't you been on multiple mission trips around the world? Served the Lord, and led non-believers to Christ, both directly and indirectly?"
Yup. That's all 100% accurate.
But I've been awakened to just how easily we read God's truths in scripture over and over again, learn about the Lord and His character, and KNOW these truths in our brains, without fully comprehending them. I've realized that, for me at least, it often takes actual experience to truly begin understanding the God of the universe.
One truth, specifically, that I've been realizing this through is one I've KNOWN for as long as I can remember. Yet, I never really saw it quite in "full force" on my own heart until recently. Here it is…
The enemy stops at nothing in his attempts to destroy God's plans. The guy legitimately prowls around, looking for any and every foothold he can grab onto in our hearts and minds. And when he finds a foothold, his efforts to steal, kill, and destroy everything good begin.
his attempts have been never-ending in my life as of late.
Nothing wigs satan out more than knowing that the Lord is about to use one of His children as a LIGHT to the world and for His GOOD purposes. he gets even more wigged out when it turns out to be a group of 60+ children of light who are bound together by Christ's love, PASSIONATE ABOUT MAKING THE NAME OF JESUS FAMOUS, and determined to spread His love throughout the nations no matter what the cost.
That's exactly what this opportunity with the World Race is; and that's exactly why myself, along with my fellow future racers are being attacked so viciously as the time when we set off on this Spirit-led journey quickly approaches ((just 5 more months until launch at this point….crazy!)). No matter what tactic he has used, whether it's been through the people around us or our own inner-thoughts, he has been attacking us in any way possible. he has been lying to us about our "lack of qualifications" for doing the Lord's work, discouraging us in our fundraising, making us believe that we are not worthy of such an incredible opportunity, and using any and all of our weaknesses to back up his negativity. his goal has been to make us run as far away from this mission as possible.
Why?
because he knows exactly what the Lord is capable of doing through this group of God-fearing, God-loving, God-serving warriors! he knows what incredible light is capable of shining in and through us as we go throughout the world spreading God's love! and he knows that we will stop at nothing to lead those who are lost to the path of hope and righteousness found in our Lord Jesus!
Up until this point, most of the enemy's efforts in my life have worn me down; making me tired, confused, frustrated, angry, and most every other negative emotion possible. I've been trying to deal with it on my own for the most part, and foolishly thinking that I can somehow handle taking control of my life. Luckily, over the past couple of weeks, God has been consistently smacking me over the head with truth and my severe need for surrender. I had been "picking and choosing," placing my trust in Him only with the things I was comfortable with instead of recognizing His sovereignty, releasing my grip, and giving Him full control of EVERYTHING. Much like when a parent tells their 2-year-old not to do something only to have the child do it anyway, so have I been with God ((and if we're honest, many of us are)) in a lot of cases – especially the ones I tend to want to control myself. I've been hearing Him when He's spoken, but I haven't been LISTENING.
so, I am surrendering EVERYTHING. every single bit of my life.
the enemy and his lies are NOT welcome here anymore.
I am not allowing him to have a foothold.
Even more importantly — the all-powerful, righteous, mighty, holy, completely indescribable God who created EVERYTHING and makes all things new is not allowing it either.
For the remainder of 2012, I am choosing to focus on the word "listen" in my relationship with my Heavenly Father. When we take the time to listen to God, obeying Him and trusting Him in every aspect of our lives, we honor Him. And by forsaking our selves ((our wants, needs, desires, and "plans")) and giving him control, He is able to fully reign in our lives, making way for His perfect, holy, and pleasing will. All we have to do is humble ourselves and raise our white flags in surrender to Him, trusting that He works all things together for our good.
I've KNOWN this truth about surrender for as long as I can remember, but finally believing it and living by it has been a different experience entirely.
Praise God for his endless, immeasurable grace and love.
How blessed I am ((and we all are)) to serve Him.
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, STANDING FIRM IN THE FAITH, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen." ~1 Peter 5:6-11
