“Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret—it only causes harm.” Psalm 37:8 (NKJV)

My old enemy “Worry “ reappeared right after my brain surgery in July of 2011. She showed up in ICU and was relentless. She followed me out the hospital doors and skipped right into my parent’s home, where I stayed for over a month. Then, seeing how I was improving and ready to move into an assisted living facility, She packed her bags and followed me right into my apartment. She would not leave me alone!!  Finally, we had a huge fight in the presence of God.  Thank goodness His angels were right beside me.

Worry posed a lot of questions during that fight and really challenged my faith, causing me to doubt my Savior’s love.

“Will your eyesight ever return and be restored? You know you can’t even read the labels on your medicine bottles” “Are you going to live in this assisted living facility for the rest of your life?” “Do you really think you can once again work and support your family?” “Are you thinking that an independent life is attainable?” “Is your brain building new synapses and will your speech and memory improve?” “Do you really have to leave your home in Oregon and move to Colorado? “

Then the horrible WHY’S arrived….

“Why did I have a brain tumor?” “Why did I have to deal with a unkind nurse and her supervisor only three days after brain surgery?”
 “Why couldn’t I keep my Bubba? “ (100 lb. Golden Lab) “Why did the pieces of my life have to crumble to dust?” “Why didn’t God let me die?”

Finally, the ACCUSER showed up to help Worry.  They both wanted to crush my faith in God’s love. “You will never recover completely.” “You are a burden to your parents.” “You are unemployable.” “You will never make new friends.” “Life is too hard, so just give up.” “God has abandoned you.”

Worry will not give you anything, except insomnia! Accusations that rise to guilt are never from the Lord. The Holy Spirit will convict a sinner but guilt and shame are always from the Devil.

Whys are for the Lord alone to answer, and He may never choose to give a reason or an explanation for His divine plans. It is His right to keep silent, if He so chooses. This requires trust on our part and a lot of faith. As far as the lies the accuser sends your way, learn to put on the Spiritual Armor of Christ. By wearing it, you will send Satan’s accusations straight back to hell, where they belong.

If you have not memorized Ephesians 6:10-18, I strongly encourage you to try.  These verses will be of great help to you.  However, if you are like me and find it easier to dress yourself from head to toe, read the prayer I wrote beneath this devotion.  

God bless you, dear one, and remember that you are not fighting mere flesh and blood, but powers of darkness and unseen principalities. There is a spiritual battle going on all around you.  Sharpen your sword and don’t forget to use your shield!

“ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—“Ephesians 6:10-18 (NKJV)

Dear Lord,

Please dress me in the Spiritual Armor of Christ so that I might fight the good fight today. Grant me the Helmet of Salvation. Make my thoughts Your thoughts. May I have the Breastplate of Righteousness and may it guard my heart from Satan’s fiery darts.    I put on the Belt of Truth, knowing that it is impossible for You to lie. Allow this belt to bring all the lies of the Enemy to my awareness. May the Sandals of Peace direct my steps and lead me in the way You want me to go. Allow the Shield of Faith to protect me from every snare the Evil One has set. Finally Lord, help me to use my spiritual Sword, which is Your Living Word. May it cut down every evil I face today and forever more.  Amen.

Categories: Christian Living, Spiritual Warfare

Tags: Bible, Christian Blogs, Christianity, Facing Trials, Faith, God, Religion & Spirituality, Spiritual warfare