Chink in my Armor

"One day Samson went to Gaza,

where he saw a prostitute.

He went in to spend the night with her.

The people of Gaza were told,

'Samson is here!'

So they surrounded the place

and lay in wait for him all night at the city gate.

They made no move during the night,

saying, 'At dawn we'll kill him.'"

Judges 16:1-2

Samson, like all humans, had many flaws.  One was his weakness for women.  As he succumbed to temptation one day, failing to detect the trap into which he was stepping, he sought out a prostitute.  In so doing, he made himself vulnerable to his enemies who were bent on his destruction.

I, too, have an Enemy who seeks to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10).  His whole mission is to take away the peace that rules my heart through Christ Jesus, to damage my relationship with the Lord so I cease to live the abundant, purposeful life, and to wipe out the confidence I have in the God who will never let me down.

When I give in to the sin which lures me, I open myself up to attack from the Enemy, making myself vulnerable to his schemes (1 Peter 5:8, Genesis 4:6-7).  Even though Satan has no hold on me, I give him a foothold when I yield to the sin that seems so attractive to my flesh (Ephesians 4:27). Then, there is much that I lose.

Peace

As I sat by the river watching the slow-moving water, I could feel the stresses of life melt away.  Birds sang praises to their Maker, lifting up their voices in sweet harmony.  A cooling breeze gently set the trees to swaying, adding to the composition that delighted my senses.  Dappled light painted a beautiful design at my feet as the sunlight filtered through the leaves above my head. This place delivered a sense of peace to my soul.

While its nice to sit and enjoy such a serene setting, its not always possible to take time out of each day to do so. Thankfully, surrendering to the Lord delivers the same effect. When I let go of my desire to work out all the details of my life, fretting over how I will solve all my problems, peace floods my heart (Philippians 4:6-7).

Similarly, knowing that the blood of Jesus has covered all my sins, making me right with God, sets my mind at ease (Romans 5:1). I don't have to be perfect to enjoy the presence of my Father who loves me perfectly (Hebrews 4:16)! Guilt is not an issue when I know the depth of His love (1 John 4:16-18). 

Unfortunately for me, this peace is often fleeting even though it is mine to keep. Satan knows how to push my buttons, drawing me into a state of worry or planting seeds of doubt about the security of my salvation. Once the thought is there, I easily glom onto it, letting the destructive thought pattern take me where it wants to go.  Soon the calm I once enjoyed is gone, leaving behind nothing but trouble.

If I want to protect the peace that comes from trusting in Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I must not give Satan a foothold by giving into temptation.

Purpose

From the time she was a little girl she knew what she wanted to do with her life.  From that point on, everything she did was with that goal in mind.  Nothing could distract her from her God-given purpose.  

Each believer has a specific purpose; a job for which they were created (Ephesians 2:10). When I seek God's will for my life, He reveals that focus that He meant for me, giving me a reason to drive forward each day (Jeremiah 29:11-13). As I accept His calling, everything suddenly begins to make sense.  Suffering is allowed into my life as part of the training necessary to prepare me for His use. I accept the bad along with the good, knowing that it all works together for my good and helps to propel me toward the purpose for which God has made me (Romans 8:28).

When I open myself up to the attacks of my enemy, however, this focus and drive is one of his targets. He aims to kill the plan God has for me, doing whatever he can to divert my attention away from it so I suddenly feel there is no reason for me to live. Or, he throws a wrench in the works with the hope that I will give up and forget about the good God has planned for my life.  

Instead of living with an aim and a purpose, then, I begin to wander aimlessly, going after one pursuit followed by another.  When one goal begins to lose its luster, I move onto another, never settling in for the long haul.  My life takes on the characteristics of an aimless wanderer instead of as a purposeful athlete training for an important competition (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).  Satan has killed my God-given purpose.

Thankfully, my calling is not gone, but I've only been fooled into thinking there is no reason for my pitiful life. Jesus, however, can restore that purpose as I keep my eyes on Him. Staying focused on Him enables me to run my race with purpose as I let go of all that distracts me from that single objective (Hebrews 12:1-2).

If I want to retain the sense of purpose I've been given as a child of God through faith in Jesus Christ, I must not give Satan a foothold by giving into temptation.

Faith

Each day was a carbon-copy of the one before.  Pain ruled her life, limiting her ability to care for herself.  She felt as helpless as a newborn baby.  Was this what God meant for her life?  Did He even care about her suffering?  She began to wonder if God even existed.  And if He did, why didn't He do something to help her?

Pain and suffering has a way of destroying faith.  Where once I believed God was capable of anything and I had full confidence in His goodness, sovereignty and power, misery and agony can wipe out that belief.

While God can use hard times like this to grow my faith and proving it as authentic, Satan's goal is to destroy my belief in God as my Helper and Source of comfort (James 1:2-4, Job 1:9-11).  If I begin to question God's goodness, wondering if He really has my best interest at heart, Satan thinks he's won the battle. What he (and I as I'm swept along by his lies) fails to realize , however, is the power of Christ that is within me, giving me the upper hand in this war (1 John 4:4). 

I have been given armor to protect me from the schemes of my enemy.  One of these pieces of protective gear is a shield to ward off the flaming arrows of the devil.  This important safeguard is made up of my faith (Ephesians 6:16). If Satan can destroy my shield, he thinks he's won the battle.

Instead of giving into the temptation that my enemy puts in my path, then, I must act as a soldier and quickly raise up my shield, using it to safeguard against what seduces me away from the path of righteousness.  

When hard times come my way, instead of focusing on the suffering,  I must remember my position as a soldier in a war and refresh my memory of all the good that will come from standing firm in my faith (Romans 5:3-5).

When trouble enters into my life, in the place of blaming God for what is unbearable for me, I can hold fast to the truth that I have been presented with a great opportunity to taste the compassion God has for me as I allow Him to give me comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). 

When I'm faced with the impossible, I must not let down my guard, strengthening my firm stance with the truth that nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37).

If I want to stand firm in the faith I have in Jesus Christ, I must not give Satan a foothold by giving into temptation.

I often forget how vulnerable to attack I am and simply live in a way that pleases me.  When I follow my own flesh, I open myself up to the work of my enemy.  If I want to remain firm in my walk with the Lord, then, it is important that I guard against Satan's schemes.  Taking the way out when temptations come will allow me to retain the peace that guards my heart and mind, protect the purpose God has for my life, and to keep my faith in Him who is able to do more than I could ever imagine.  In these ways, I can avoid developing a chink in my armor.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can stand firm in my faith, keeping aware of my enemy who is constantly on the prowl.

When do I live as if I have no enemy, assuming I am safe from attack?

How do I easily give in to temptation, making myself vulnerable?    


Originally published on March 28, 2014  

Him Who Called

"Because he was very thirsty,

he cried out to the LORD,

'You have given your servant this great victory.

Must I now die of thirst

and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised?'

Then God opened up the hollow place in Lehi,

and water came out of it.

When Samson drank,

his strength returned and he revived.

So the spring was called En Hakkore,

and it is still there in Lehi."

Judges 15:18-19

He was known for his wild outbursts, passionate tantrums and violent ways.  It seemed he couldn't control himself, often killing many in the course of one of his rampages.  He's not my idea of a leader that could be respected nor admired.  In my opinion, he was a selfish, immature man with serious anger issues.

Nevertheless, Samson was chosen by God to lead the people of Israel for 20 years.  Why would He set apart such an aggressive, cruel man to serve as their judge?  God intended to use such a man to bring judgement upon the Philistines and deliver His people from their enemy's hand. (Judges 13:5) 

As much fault as I can find in this man of strength who was bent on revenge, I can admit that Samson knew, at least in some small way, from where his strength came.  After killing 1000 men with the jawbone of a donkey, he became very thirsty.  Instead of drawing from his own resources, he cried out to the One he knew as the Source of all good things and the Provider of his needs.  Therefore, the spring God made in response became known as the "spring of him who called."

Likewise, I can be known as one who calls in my time of need.

Strength

I can't go on, its just too much.  It doesn't take much for me to reach the end of my rope.  Even small frustrations or stresses can deplete me of my own resources.  Living life in my own strength is an exercise in futility.

When I admit my need for God's strength and cry out to Him in desperation, He comes through, enabling me to take another step.  The prophet Isaiah reminded God's people of the wisdom of relying on His strength. (Isaiah 40:28-31) God doesn't get tired or run out of steam like I do.  Therefore, I can go to Him at any time and draw from His stores of power to accomplish what is impossible for my measly means.

Sometimes that means I'll soar to new heights, feeling like I'm on top of the world and can accomplish anything.  Other times His strength gives me that extra oomph I need to finish well.  Then there are the times when He enables me to simply keep putting one foot in front of the other.  

These are the times when I feel most inadequate and like I'm not good for much of anything.  In reality, I'm bringing glory to Him as I rely on His strength to keep me from giving up.  Persevering and resisting the urge to quit often takes the most power of all.

When I rely on God to supply the strength I need to carry on, I am leaving a legacy as one who calls upon the Lord.

Provision

Some call it "the rat race."  Day after day the routine is the same:  Get up, get dressed, get out the door, fight the traffic, find a parking spot, rush to the office, labor all day, get in the car, go home, go to bed, do it all over again.  Life can consist of a constant struggle to provide for my needs and those of my family.

While most would not consider this as much of a life, it is the reality for many.  For those who follow Christ, however, there is so much more.  I was made for a purpose that goes far beyond surviving.  Instead, He created me to thrive, doing meaningful things that impact eternity.  (Ephesians 2:10, John 10:10)

When I focus on pursuing what I think I need, however,  I lose sight of my true purpose.  Instead of fulfilling the purpose for which I was made, I become focused on things that hold no eternal value.  I spend my time making sure I have enough provisions, stocking up on savings to make sure my future is secure, and building my reserves so I have something to fall back on.

While I'm working so hard to provide for my own needs, I am missing out on the good things God has saved up for me.  I am forgetting I have a Father whose desire is to provide for me in ways I never imagined and who wants nothing more from me than my heart. (Ephesians 3:20,Matthew 6:31-33) While I'm wearing myself down in my pursuit of happiness, He is waiting for me to let Him give me my heart's desire. (Psalm 37:4)  Trouble is, I'm too busy trying to go after it myself.

God made me to focus on higher things. (Matthew 6:33) Instead of acting like those who do not know their purpose, I must live like I'm here to give God the glory for the great things He is doing in my life.  Instead of pretending like I'm left to fend for myself, I must live like I've got a Father who lovingly and faithfully provides for my needs.  Instead of getting caught up in the temporal,  I must live like the eternal is what is most valuable. 

When I rely on God to supply for my needs, I am leaving a legacy as one who calls upon the Lord.

Love

 It is the calling card of those who follow Jesus, the mark that sets me apart from the world, the sign of Someone's presence in my heart.  Love.  It is patient, kind, intent on protecting, trusting, hoping and persevering.  It isn't boastful or proud, dishonoring to others or easily angered.  Instead of seeking what's best for self, love looks out for the best interest of others.  Love rejoices when what is right and true prevails, never celebrating an injustice, even if its done to an enemy.  Love never fails.  (1 Corinthians 13)

This kind of love cannot be found in the world, nor is it available in my own darkened heart.  Instead, the love described above only exists in the Lord.  He is love, and He is my only source of love.  There is no way I can generate the kind of love God emits; it only comes from Him. (1 John 4:7-8)

Therefore, if I want to love as He has called me to love, I must draw from His deep well that flows through my life when I'm connected to Him.  When I make the effort to drum up some kind of compassionate feelings toward another, I'll fall short.  Only in relationship with the Source of love will I find myself able to care for others.  

When I rely on God to supply the love that is to be my hallmark as a believer, I am leaving a legacy as one who calls upon the Lord.

I am flawed in many ways, much like the infamous Samson.  While God used the man of strength in a way that fulfilled His sovereign purpose, He can use me similarly.  In order to leave a mark in this world that will last, however, I must rely on God for my strength, to provide for my needs, and to supply the love that I am called to show.  In these ways I'll leave a legacy as one who calls upon the Lord, the Giver of all good things.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can make it my goal to bring glory to God in all that I do.  

When do I run after my own needs instead of letting God choose what's best for me?

How am I guilty of relying on my own meager strength when I could be drawing from His unending stores?

Revenge is His

"Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi,

'You have brought trouble on me by making me

obnoxious to the Canaanites and Perizzites,

the people living in this lands.

We are few in number,

and if they join forces against me and attack me,

I and my household will be destroyed.'

But they replied,

'Should he have treated our sister like a prostitute?'"

Genesis 34:30-31

His anger burned within him.  How dare his father-in-law give his own wife away to another? Did she not belong to him?  They have given me a right to get even with them, he thought.  No one can fault me for avenging this great injustice.

So he captured 300 foxes, tying them tail-to-tail and fastened a burning torch to each pair of tails.  Setting them loose into the Philistine's fields, Samson had his revenge by destroying their wheat harvest as well as their vineyards and olive groves. (Judges 15:1-5)

While God used the ruthless rabble-rouser Samson to deliver the people of Israel from the Philistines, thus ending the punishment God had enacted on His people for their evil-doing, I cannot expect to live my life in such a vengeful way. (Judges 13:1-5)  When I take revenge into my own hands, there are unintended consequences, unforeseen fallout, and unexpected penalties for taking on this role of God.  There is a reason that vengeance belongs to the Lord.  (Romans 12:19)

Excessive

Jesus knew the hearts of men.  As a result, he would not trust any man until the time came that He would turn Himself over to those He created as a part of His Father's master plan of salvation for all mankind.  Before that time, however, He was wary of their judgement. (John 2:24-25)

I am also one of those sinful creatures who cannot be trusted.  When I let my feelings lead me, I tend to dole out a punishment that far outweighs the crime.  Seeing the pain that someone caused by their thoughtless gossip, for instance, I think the offender deserves to continue in life friendless.

When I suffer at the hand of another's greed and desperation, I want him punished to the fullest extent of the law so he can have plenty of time to think about how he hurt me.  

If I witness the grief of a mother at the hand of a ruthless killer, I can dream up all kinds of torture for him to suffer because of the anguish his actions brought about.

Vengeance belongs to the Lord because His punishment is always appropriate while mine tends to be over-the-top.

Unjust

"When I punish my children I dole out the sentence to all of them because I want them to unite against a common enemy: Me!"  I didn't know how to respond to this mother's explanation of her seemingly callous attitude toward disciplining her sons and daughters.  While I'm all for teamwork and camaraderie, I couldn't see the logic behind her theory.

Humans tend to enact punishment in a way that is unjust.  Since I can't see the big picture nor do I have any way of knowing how my decision will effect every single person who may be involved, I'm apt to hurt the innocent along with those who deserve what's coming to them when I carry out revenge.

Tender hearts could turn cold toward God because of the fallout caused by my actions intended to settle the score.  While I'm out to teach my foe a lesson, I could also unintentionally instruct bystanders in the finer points of merciless living.  I may fool myself into thinking I'm just paying back what it owed, but my family pays the higher price of having to live with an angry woman driven to bitterness by unforgiveness.

Vengeance belongs to the Lord because His punishment is always just while mine tends to hurt those who get caught in the crossfire.

Useless

She thought it would make her feel better, but all it did was send her deeper into the pit of despair and self-loathing.  While it was true that her husband hurt her when he decided to give his heart to another woman, her fling with the attractive man who always flirted with her at the gym did nothing to ease her pain.  Instead, it only added guilt to the already overwhelming pile of negative feelings weighing her down.  

Whereas revenge may seem like it will help to lessen the hurts caused by another, it usually only ends up complicating matters.  Moreover, seeking revenge on my own terms doesn't solve the root of the problem, but only serves to satisfy my own sinful desire to settle the score.  After the act is finished, the desire to retaliate is now in my enemy's court, setting up a never-ending feud that has the power to overtake my life.

Vengeance belongs to the Lord because His punishment is always beneficial while mine tends to promote a longstanding feud.

There is a reason God said vengeance belongs to Him.  This is because I tend to think up ways to enact revenge that is excessive, hurts the innocent along with the one who is the target of my attack, and is useless against solving the real problem.  Consequently, it is best that I take the advice of the Apostle Paul and leave room for the wrath of God, because revenge is His! (Romans 12:19)

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can let go of my hurts and let God defend me.

When do I take matters into my own hands, thinking I need to defend my own honor?

How do I think more about my own reputation than I do of God's?