November 20, 2013 - "God's In The Fox Hole"

We've been focusing on vigilance for the past couple of days and this morning I want us to consider that God has a plan even in our times when we feel totally weak and unable to bear the consequences of our lives. I am currently reading a REALLY tough booklet focusing my attention on the joy of dying to self. Lovely! Isn't that an oxymoron? There are certain things people give me to read and I am delighted beyond description. Then...there are books like this. I knew when I was given this book and the person said, "this is a difficult read and many would not understand. Are you ready to be challenged? It's a tough one," that I might not read this willingly. In fact after the first, short chapter I had to console myself with an extra cup of coffee and TWO apples. I heard Lyndal Cooley say once, "we are more like Lucifer than we know." I don't know about you, but there is still a lot of me that needs work. Maybe in a blog one is not supposed to confess such things. But I am realist. There are moments and days when all the dots line up and life works well. I am in the center of the angelic host. Those are days of declaring and confessing and really feeling "I can stand my ground." And then there are days, as we spoke of yesterday, when we need to know that the person in the fox hole can cover while I deal with my issues. Right? Have you ever felt as if you get more than your share of the trials? Could I suggest that trials and fires SOMETIMES have a way of bringing things into the open that may need deeper examination? That can be a good thing if it isn't a daily occurance. But I also want to suggest that perhaps the enemy of our soul works double time to focus our attention on the trials and keep us TOO distracted to focus on the strength and blessing promised to us. God never promised there would be no trials - in fact - just the opposite. In Deuteronomy 31:6 God says, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” THEM? I understand the "them" in Deuteronomy is referring to the giants in the Promised Land, but today the "them" looks like health issues, marital conflict, troubled kids...issues! You know "them." But God encourages us to be strong and NOT afraid of defeat. Does that make you smile? GOD said it, not me. And in Joshua 1:5 "No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." Again, the "them" folk cannot stand against us as God is with us. As I type I feel the Holy Spirit needs someone to HEAR this as truth about your specific circumstance. In our own strength it's difficult to be vigilant and stand in the promises of God always. Right? But with God in the fox hole, we can rest and sleep knowing nothing can destroy us. When we can sleep during the war, it proves to God we emphatically KNOW His word is true and He will never abandon His position. LOVE, love this! I need a nap in the fox hole. How about you? PK