I’ve been a born again, Spirit filled believer for a long time. I’ve read and studied the Bible for many years. One would think that I would have taken it and applied it to my every day life, right? The answer is “yes” and “no”.

Why? Because I’m so far from perfect, so flawed that I make many mistakes and yes, I get caught up with the same nonsense that is familiar to all of us, especially when it comes to strife. I should know better, I really should. Why should I care about what people say or think? Why take it to heart? The Lord has given me a soft and tender heart and at times I’ve felt it was more of a curse than a blessing because I’ve had it broken and my feelings hurt so many times. But He has finally gotten it through this hard head that when I allow others to control my reactions, I am no longer walking in the Spirit, but, rather my own emotions. “The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.” (Proverbs 29:25) This doesn’t mean that we’re afraid of people. It’s more along the line of the fear of rejection from people, and that’s the trap satan has set for me. He knows our fears and sets his traps accordingly. And I hate to admit it but that has been my biggest fear as I’ve felt rejection all my life. People will make you crazy if you let them! *smile* The problem is most of us do let them. Basically, it’s like handing over the keys to your mind and emotions and saying “take them for a spin!” The good news is that we can take all of the authority back from people and give it back to God. We need to start believing what God feels/says about us and all others be danged!

  Words and/or actions can be weapons against us when it comes from an enemy or a provoking spirit. Sometimes (most times) the enemy will use those closest to us to hurt us. Judas was in the “inner circle” of Jesus and he betrayed Jesus with a kiss. That’s a intimate association. I have felt that kind of betrayal myself. These words and actions even come from those of God. In fact Christians can be more cruel than others. I’ve heard it said only the Church shoot their wounded. Over the years I’ve seen these same attitudes throughout the church…..among lay leaders, pastors, charismatic, fundamentalists, and evangelical alike. I have also found that many not only deny their problems but are intolerant of those with emotional difficulties. Many judge that others’ emotional problems are the direct result of personal sin. This is a harmful view. At any one time, up to 15 percent of our population is experiencing significant emotional problems. I personally know some very precious Spirit filled people who suffer with emotional problems daily. For them our churches need to be sanctuaries of healing, not places where they must hide their wounds.

  I’m sure I’ve been on the other side of the offense myself, in fact I know I have. But God says “no weapon forged against me will prevail, and He’ll still every tongue that accuses me. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me, declares the Lord.” Nothing against me will dominate, win; or overcome me because I belong to God and that is my heritage from Him as a believer and child of God and that is how He vindicates me. “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.” (Proverbs 30:5). Do you see how God looks after those who are His? “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10). The “right hand” always symbolizes strength. Whenever we come against opposition, God will give us His strength to endure. Our own strength is much too feeble in comparison to God’s strength.

  You never have to fight your battles alone again. God will do that for you. My revelation (finally) was not to fight back. Instead, I gave my battles to God and asked Him to deal with all of those who were coming against me. “for the battle is the LORD’s…” (1 Samuel 17:47) I surrendered these burdens to God and He gave me His peace in its place. God will defend us, that’s definite. “Be still and know that I am God!” Amen!

  P.S. I would like to leave you with this scripture to hold on to as you walk every day with Grace…”For He Himself has said,“I will never leave you nor forsake you. So we may boldly say:The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6)

In His love,
Elizabeth