Sweep the Leg

I've been going through some stuff lately.  Though lately seems to be a relative term, since lately may actually be my entire adult life and much of my adolescence.  I can only assume that many people, I'm betting all, have been going through some stuff, so don't think for a moment I believe I'm special.  Life is stuff. (Oh, my gosh, I so want to make a Princess Bride reference here...)

That being said, I feel like I've been going through some particular issues lately, so much that I've had to call in the big guns, a Pastor.  We've met a hand full of times and between discussing life with her and living life, I've become aware of a pretty prevalent issue, like in the last week or so.  I don't want to take this to a hyper-spiritual place, so I won't go into detail, but in discovering this issue, she reassured me by reminding me that the "enemy only attacks when your headed in the right direction."  I've heard this before.  I've spoken it to others.  It's part of the standard rules of engagement.  I KNOW this.  But, somehow, I'd forgotten it as of late; feeling downtrodden and exhausted and, to be honest, a bit detoured.  Only just realizing that it was an attack at all.  I am thankful for ready wisdom.  

So, today was pretty tough, emotionally and spiritually for me.  God's been uncovering undressed wounds, that were all but forgotten.  Today was pretty intense, which is weird since it was pretty much a normal day.  

After I was able to get some perspective on my day, AKA "hanging out with my husband and kids", I began to stir that knowledge up in me, "I'm headed in the right direction!"  Then I felt like there was something else God added to my handbook.  Yes, the attacks confirm our route, but the tactic also shows us our weaknesses and wounds.  

As a child of the 80's my best illustration is from The Karate Kid.

  

You see, the enemy is many things, but he is not very sportsmanlike.  He does not play fair.  He finds a wound or a weakness and heads straight to it.  In fact, it may be a wound you are not even aware is buried deep inside of you.  Like me, you may find yourself under attack in a wounded area and be utterly baffled; wondering what the heck is happening.  But here's the good news, we serve a God that came to heal us, to be our strength in weakness.  He already has a plan to use the enemy's attacks to better position us for what He's doing.  We just have to recognize what's happening.  

So, here are my 3 official points:

1. The enemy only attacks when there are spoils.  He will do his very best to keep you from God's great plan and purpose in your life.  Under attack?  Great!  That's like the enemy declaring that your getting closer. 

2. The enemy is not creative (on so many levels), so he'll go after an injury or weakness.  Instead of cowering to avoid further pain, get up and ask God to show you the true issue and then allow Him to treat you.  Once you've strengthened that area, it won't be so much fun to attack.

3. Know that even in this, God is flipping the script and using this for your good and His glory.  He's allowing the enemy to clue you in on an issue that you've desperately needed addressed.  God has declared that you win!  So, whatever you do, don't throw in the towel.  

"9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions,in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NIV