Yesterday, January 4th, our daily Bible reading in the New Testament (from the One Year Bible) spoke about how Jesus was tempted by the devil just after He was baptized, marking the beginning of his public ministry. I realized and reflected on the fact that as soon as Jesus went to a new level-- that is when Satan showed up. I’ve found this to be very true in my life as well.
Anytime I am called to do something for God or brought to a new level with Him, Satan shows up stronger and more determined than ever. That is usually a confirmation that I’m going in the right direction and not to back down. I truly can’t say that I always stand my ground and use the tools (found in the Word) that I’ve given by God, or follow the teachings (examples) of Jesus or allow the Holy Spirit (who can fight for me) to intercede as I should. I can say that when I have and when I do rely on those three that I feel such victory and breakthrough and can only credit the glory to God! He is mighty and victorious and I surely will serve Him, gladly!
Recently my friends Shaynah and Shannon decided to devote their first weekend in 2011 being “bedroom makeover warriors” and make their bedroom a place of rest, devotion and romance! All of us truly want our rooms to be a place we can feel at peace, rest and total retreat! I become overjoyed for them when they shared their plan. I was blessed to see the room before and a bit during and now I’ve seen the “after” pictures. So when I say I did a dance with Jesus for them, I meant it!
I grew up with family that worked hard remodeling and face-lifting homes. I drove my parents crazy begging them to help until they finally gave in and started letting me join in and learn from them. I have always found joy and reward in tackling home projects, especially if it involves paint! I also have seen and experienced the trials and sweat that comes with it. When you are pouring your money, time and energy into something that takes patience and well, did I mention money?! – you truly want it to go to plan, turn out right the first time and be done quickly. It just never seems to turn out that way, at least not as often as we like.
So, Shaynah and Shannon got on this “marriage testing” project. I say this because projects like this can bring out some not so fun irritations and reactions in all of us. If there is going to be good in something, especially that will give Glory to God, Satan is going to show up and bring company with him. He’ll even pop the popcorn to go along with his big ole 64 oz. soda and oversized box of peanut m&m’s to dig into while he sits back and watches this matinee if you know what I mean. Tempted, tried and tested! Satan didn’t even get to stick his ugly head in the door before my friends stood their ground and rebuked him out of the mess.
Did it all go smoothly, as planned and as quickly as hoped? Well, that all doesn’t really matter when you know that Shaynah and Shannon got to wipe the sweat off their brows and taste and see the “sweet” that God just poured into their lives and home. Inside our inner man is a beautiful, holy and loving place. God sees us as He created us and values us even when we want to have a throw down! Sometimes we just can’t get still enough to look inside and see the beauty in ourselves that God sees in us. We get caught up in our lives and schedules and even our chaos. I praise God for the seasons and times He slows us down, takes us deeper and gets us all still and quiet for Him. This “S&S” project is a true reflection of God’s love and devotion for us. When we give Him the time and space He needs…. He cleans it up and makes something beautiful and mind blowing out of it.
So as Shaynah and Shannon still lay in their room amazed and blown away by this gift God has given them… I pray that it will always be a reminder of how God sees them both- beautiful and worth it!
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