Skip to main content

Invisible Enemy

It pushes it's way down the path, arousing leaves from their autumn slumber. Dancing it's way through the hanging chimes the music grows louder. With each passing moment it's power intensifies. Lying in bed I listen to it's howling...beating against the barn door...looking for it's weakness...it's way in.

I don't always think of it's existence although it surrounds me daily. Most of the time it's quiet. It's affects invisible. Something to just breath in...breath in without any thought. Sometimes it comes as a gentle welcomed breeze in the midst of July heat or the crisp coolness on an autumn eve, but in the midst of a storm the wind can not be denied. With violence it beats it's way through destroying anything in it's path.

Like our enemy.  
The enemy of our soul. 
All to often I forget he's there.  

Most of the time he's quiet, subtle, clever. At times I welcome his presence. Not intentionally of course - but if I'm honest it can be easier to stay angry than forgive. Holding onto the anger feels good for awhile - like that cool breeze in sweltering heat. It's easier to close my heart, grow cool in my love, rather than loving with a passion. It's easier at least for a time to live sloppy, lazy, careless lives instead of being intentional and taking a stand. To live the way Jesus asks of me takes thought, purpose, intentionality, and prayer...lots of prayer. Yet at times I become complacent and breathe life in...breathe without thought.

But that is how the wrong things take root and destruction begins. Our enemy just like the wind intensifies with strength. He's found a weakness so he beats and howls until he's broken through. 

I encourage you the next time he comes beating at the door of your heart...turn to Jesus. Cry out for help to the one who calms the storm. The one who commands the wind and waves and is our peace.


Until then...   
Jessie

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Invisible Monster

May 23, 2020, I woke to a miracle surrounding a loved one. Later, I sat in the gardens watching butterflies perch upon lavender lilacs while my Sweet Shalom giggled and chased after them. It had been a perfect day. The air was warm, but the skies overcast like a storm was about to roll in.   Life changes quickly...    The message flashed on the screen.        Wait - he's gone? Dear...I don't know what to call you, I've always wondered, with the slamming of the prison door, did you know what your choices would cost your children? Did you care?  My grandpa knew you as a kid. He was your pastor, said your parents were good people. He said you were a good kid too, but somewhere along the journey you lost your way.    You lost your way... and I was one of many that paid for your choices.      One of my last visits with you left me with a shoulder injury. The physical pain is a reminder that children should never have to v...
Post a Comment
Read more
 Written 2/18/21 February - I would be delighted if this month never existed. In reality it’s the shortest of the year, but each day can feel tormenting to walk through...this week in particular.    2/18/10 was the day we found out those 2 little ones we planned to adopt would never be ours.  The room we had made in our hearts would remain empty.  The crib empty.  The clothes newly washed and hanging were packed back into tubs. Closet and drawers empty. Dreams lost.  Hearts shattered. 2/16/17 was Miriam’s due date. Instead of snuggling and breathing in a fresh babe our perfect girl lay cradled in dirt.  She would have been 4 this year...4.  It’s the first year Kai didn’t remember...didn’t ask to make her birthday cupcakes or take her flowers.  I didn’t remind him.  His little heart needs to heal and move on.  As her mom, I’ll never forget. Even though I move forward a part of my heart was lost, and I will never be the same. 2/1...
Post a Comment
Read more

Resurrection Cookies

I wanted to share this with y'all.  I'm not sure where this recipe/idea originated from, but a friend gave it to me many years ago.  Thanks, Mary!  Since that time it's something I've done with our children every year.  Part of our Easter celebration they look forward to - and while they're having fun cooking with mom they're also learning about the cost Jesus paid to give us the gift of salvation.  I'm sure many of you have made these before but I wanted to share for those that hadn't.  Hope y'all enjoy! Resurrection Cookies: To be made on the evening before Easter. 1 Cup whole pecans 1 tsp. vinegar 3 egg whites  pinch of salt 1 cup sugar zipper baggie wooden spoon tape Bible Preheat oven to 300 (this is important- don't wait until you're half done with the recipe). Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces.  Explain that after Jesus was arr...
Post a Comment
Read more