Strengthen Day 16 - Monday, March 14, 2022
... bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5
Partnering with God can mean following His lead to places you don’t necessarily want to go. Have you ever known you were supposed to do something but your heart was not even remotely interested in it? A clear “No thank you, Lord! I don’t want to!”
Recently, I found myself in one of those situations sensing the undeniable leading of the Holy Spirit to attend a certain gathering. Only problem was I absolutely did NOT want to go!! Thoughts of sugarplums did not dance in my head, only all sorts of excuses ‘why’ I did not want to go. My insecurities began to surface as I focused on myself, and all those bruises from my past started to erupt like Mt. St. Helens, first oozing out slowly and then streaming in large lava bursts with heat and poisonous gases. What would I wear? How could I withstand the glaring looks of fashionistas? Thoughts of inferiority came crashing through my mind like a wrecking ball bringing with it tears. I don’t have any friends. I’m not part of the group. The hot lava flow burst forth with intense vigor. Who would want to sit with me? I’m just a nobody. I don’t have anything to contribute. (Notice all the “I” statements, focused on my thinking?)
As the date of the gathering drew near, I could not escape the feeling that I was supposed to attend and I would regret not following the Holy Spirit’s guidance. I decided to cooperate and finally recognized the enemy was at work in the hot lava. I was indeed supposed to attend, but that sneaky snake had been working overtime against me. It was then I remembered to take my thoughts captive to the Lord... my insecurities, short comings, lack of fashion sense and bring all of it ‘captive to the Lord.’ I had allowed the snake to bring me down without remembering what the Lord said about me. For starters I was not alone, and I am never alone. I am a child of the King and He provides for all me needs.
So, I dusted off an outfit out that wasn’t new, but it would do. And I decided to arrive early to survey the crowd and find someone to sit with. He surely had a plan, but I had to step out in faith and find it. As I considered promises in His Word, I was able to turn down and eventually shut off the hot lava streams of lies. I made it to the event by the Lord’s help, knowing He was on my side, and I could do what He was calling me to do.
It was several days later that the Lord let me in on His plan. My attending had been an answer to someone’s prayer, ‘Lord, please send a friend for my spouse.’ Wow! I was humbled and learned how taking my thoughts captive can change my attitude and willingness to partner with the Lord.
Reflection:
Have you ever been told you were an answer to prayer? How did you feel? What did you learn about yourself and what did you learn about the Lord’s Plan? What can you do to partner with Him more often to see His plan fulfilled?