Look Beyond The Target ♡♡♡

 

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" - Ephesians 6:12

Can you handle my real? This past Sunday was Mothering Sunday in North America. For some of us, it is a reminder that we are still in God's waiting room. Depending on how long you've been here, it hits differently. For me, the journey has gotten easier, not because it isn't a thing, but because I have grown through all of my life challenges, through God's grace navigating this season in my life. After what will be almost 10 years soon [depending on whatever it is you are counting], I realize that the most difficult thing [at least for me] isn't necessarily with the length of time I have been waiting: but more a lot to do with some of the humans on my path. But then again, it really has nothing to do with them......

"The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" - 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

Let me share some battles I have fought in the last couple of months. You see my beloved cousin died a couple of years ago, she desired a child and she eventually passed without one. I also had a dear close friend whom we believed God together, waiting the same amount of time as me, also die recently without one too. Last year a popular celebrity I followed closely, noted for her philanthropy, also passed without having a child. She also struggled with infertility, though she had adopted some kids. I can go on and on. Your mind then begins to dance around thoughts, that maybe this thing truly isn't for everyone. You begin to analyse and dissect the life of others: when really you should keep your eyes on Jesus - Fullstop.

On top of that, I have celebrated with quite a number of people this year in my circle, sharing that they are expecting their 1st, 2nd, 3rd etc. One can almost be tempted to think that God has you on "come again tomorrow" automatic reply mode. Other times, you are tempted to question God's faithfulness because you cannot understand why He chooses to withhold such wonderful gift from you. You see, all of these mind arguments can be real. And they are even more real when people say things like. "You can adopt", "you have so many children already, they don't necessarily have to be yours", "consider that you may never have this, would you still serve God?", "have you fasted this amount of time", "maybe God is trying to teach you something", and so many other prescriptions, people jump at. I like how you are trying to comfort me. It is incredible but, it would be a lot nicer if you said nothing ;)

It is not that these are necessarily incorrect statements, but to say to a person waiting to be a mother, without acknowledging that it is a struggle is insensitive. Somebody once said, "Everyone is wiser when it is not their own story" - Da truth. This is why I also love the scriptures. Always keeping it 100. Some of the people in there, are more down to earth than some religious folks in our day. Proverbs 30:16 acknowledges the struggle - it mentions a "barren womb" as one of the three things that are never satisfied. Take also for example Sarah, Hannah, Elizabeth.... I am so glad that the bible shows us also the private struggles of these women. When Elizabeth eventually had her child, do you know what she said? "...He has taken away my disgrace amongst the people" [Luke 1:25]. Elizabeth dealt with shame, she saw it as a disgrace. Their struggles though,  never took away from God perfecting their trust in Him. Some things are hard. It is what it is. There are also some things you see in the lives of others that you may not understand. Maybe pray for them, leave them with their maker and find ways to encourage them on their journey, and not add to thier burden. Thank God though that God gives us the strength even through all of life's struggles. This is a good place to say EBENEZER "thus far, God has helped me"

Let me bring you back to these scriptures "....we demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ"

"Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in this dark world"

The truth is we give attention to all the wrong things when we take our focus away from God. When I get carried away, I find myself channelling energy to the wrong people & things. You need to learn to see through some of the mind battles you face, as you persevere through the path God has called you on. I once had someone send me a very long email, summarized - "we are not called to rejoice in reproach, it's a slight on Jesus to be rejoicing in affliction". He had a list of "spiritual exercises" he figured I could do to bring me out of the situation and to break the hold and chain :). Who is rejoicing in reproach? No, we are rejoicing inspite of it. For some others, they need to tell you that it is a generational curse, somehow it makes them feel better. Quite a few things you see people do or say here and there, can make you back down and think about your life for days lol, but know that your struggle isn't with flesh and blood. Some people are frankly the enemy's messenger [though they may not even realize it themselves] to take you off course, get you to question your stand in Christ, get you to question God's ability and his love for you. Don't fall for it, sometimes educate them, other times just lean on God for strength to love them regardless. We can be more like Christ through anything we go through. I would never have said this with my full chest a few years ago though, but thanks be to God ;)

This week, I really just want to encourage anyone out there, who is struggling emotionally with waiting on the Lord. It could be anything at all in your life. Believe me, I can relate with you. Some people will never be able to relate with your story. Some people may trivialize what you are up against and some others may simply just be expert at saying all the wrong things. Some people will see you doing the most, pressing on no matter what and pretend like they can't see it. Your problem shouldn't really be about these things. Your energy should be channelled towards acquiring more and more knowledge about God. This is how you will be able to demolish arguments and strongholds. When the battle is the fiercest, what you need is more & more knowledge about God. And that's on Period ;)

I love what Jesus says to Peter in John 21:22-23. Jesus had just shared with Peter on the kind of death by which he would glorify God. And Peter asked, "what about John?" Jesus gives this epic response that cracks me up every time I read it  - "if I want him to remain alive until I return, what is it to you?" follow me".  reminds me also of the parable Jesus shares about the grumbling workers that felt that the owner of the vineyard was being unfair with wages. "Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?" - Matthew 20:13-15

We are asked to follow Jesus. We are not asked to use the lives of others as a yardstick. Whatever God is doing in our lives, and however way He is doing it, is so that our lives can ultimately bring GLORY to Him. My favourite four words - "God can be trusted" :)

                                  Place your FOCUS where FOCUS should be placed.

Love,

SR