
When I was a little girl, I hated weeding. It seemed like every spring break, all my classmates would go on vacations, go skiing, or do something fun or relaxing. I usually ended up helping my parents weed the gardens. And I really hated it. We would pull and pull and pull, and not even a week later, the weeds would be back. Stupid weeds. I still hate weeding.
This morning was very frustrating for me. I had one of my biggest victories, but I felt like the joy of the moment was stolen. It seems pretty typical for my life (and I’m sure many of yours as well): I work and work and work towards a goal, and as soon as I get there, I can’t enjoy the victory because the enemy works condemnation or doubt or some negative thoughts into my head and it’s a constant fight to stay joyful or really to have any joy at all over my major accomplishment.
The attacks of the enemy are kind of like weeds. I hate them. We all do. Who wouldn’t? He’s mean, he fights dirty, and he likes to kick you while you’re down. Stupid devil. But what if all we need is an attitude change? Why would the devil bother attacking people he thinks are useless and ineffective? He knows who the real threats are, and he targets them regularly. What if we switch our outlook? When negative thoughts or condemning feelings work their way into my head, what if I praised God instead of dwelling on them? I can praise God for the fact that He and I must be making some headway in the kingdom if the enemy is scared enough to attack me in my weak spots. Then, the attacks become encouragement to me, because they are a sign of progress. Now I don’t have to spend all of my time pulling weeds by fighting with the devil about all of the nasty mean things he says. I can just accept whatever comes my way as encouragement and rely on God to fight the battle for me.
Easier said than done, I know, but it’s food for thought.
3 comments:
I don't remember you pulling too many weeds, but what weeds you did pull sure left a big impact.
you know how I am...I remember lots...especially doing the things I didn't enjoy :)
What a great outlook. Also been struggling too lately, but that is definitely an encouragement to me!
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