This Means War…..

When we say “YES” to Jesus, the devil screams, “This means war!”

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy…” ~ John 10:10

Spiritual warfare is REAL! Satan hates anything that glorifies God. He will do whatever it takes to keep you from fulfilling the purposes God has placed on your heart. Believe me, I know! I’ve been attacked by the sneaky, lying, thief!

When we decided to adopt, Satan tried everything he could to keep us from giving a child a Forever Family. Family and close friends didn’t support our decision, we lost a BIG chunk of funding and were left hopeless, unsure of how we would ever afford adoption. People said hateful things, John and I fought over paperwork and fingerprints, and adoptions in Ethiopia came to a complete stop. Satan did NOT want us to adopt. But guess what, he doesn’t have the final say!

Since returning from the SheSpeaks conference a couple weeks ago, I have been under major spiritual attack! God has put a passion in my heart for adoption and orphan care. He has made it very clear to me that I am supposed to write and speak – to be a voice for the fatherless. Satan doesn’t like that! He’s screaming, “This Means War!”

I wish I could tell you that I’ve told Satan to back off and have kept my eyes on Jesus. I haven’t. I have cried. I have felt discouraged, inadequate, hopeless and insecure.

Yesterday I canceled an appointment with the director of our local adoption agency. I was supposed to meet with her to discuss my book and how the conference went and share all I felt that God was leading me to do. But when I woke up, I felt worthless. Why would she want to let me share our story with her clients? Would she think I was being prideful by asking to speak and asking for her help? Satan kept whispering lies…you’re not good enough, you’re platform isn’t big enough. Jackson was fussy. I called and canceled. Satan got what he wanted.

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith.” ~ 1 Peter 5:8

I cried and cried. I texted Kayse and Jen and asked them to pray for me! I am so thankful for their friendship and encouragement.

Kayse wrote, “So many people need encouragement along the adoption road. Didn’t you? Also, your passion for your message is so strong, I am not surprised Satan is at work. You are a threat!”

If you are a believer in Christ Jesus, if you have said YES to God, then Satan is ticked! He WILL attack! We must be ready to stand firm in our faith and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus (easier said than done!)

I don’t think it’s a coincidence that everything I read or hear these days has to do with putting on the full armor of God! We have to be ready for battle, girls! There really is a spiritual war going on…..

“For our struggle isn’t 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. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” ~ Ephesians 6:12-13

So yesterday I e-mailed the director of the adoption agency and shared my heart and asked if we could reschedule our meeting. I also made a phone call that God has been nudging me to make for a while. I will choose faith, not fear! I will choose to believe God’s truth and not Satan’s lies.

In the midst of my hard day yesterday, I read this blog. I was so encouraged!

“He wants us to obey Him by pushing through the fear and doubts. The enemy uses fear to prevent us from fulfilling His will and our calling.” Charles Specht  

Are you under the enemy’s attack? Will you choose to believe God’s truth over Satan’s lies? God has a plan for you sweet bloggy friend! Keep your eyes on Him!

Today I’m linking up over at Women Living Well. Check out some more great encouragement and amazing bloggers!