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Getting Past the “But”
This week’s Reading: Nehemiah Chapters 1-3
The following is an excerpt from Chapter 10 of Slaying Giants
To discourage someone is to take their courage away. That’s exactly what the enemy is trying to do when we are mocked, insulted, and attacked. And, while the discouragement often comes from those outside our faith, some days that voice can be heard from within.
I can’t do it.
I’m afraid.
I’m not good enough.
I don’t measure up.
I’m going to fail.
I’m too old.
I don’t have the resources.
This is too hard for someone like me.
Compare these discouraging thoughts to the attack from the enemies in Nehemiah Chapter 4, and you will see that Satan is using the same tactics of intimidation today that he used back then.
Notice the first thing that Nehemiah does when he is faced with opposition—he prays, and he posts a guard. This is exactly what Jesus told His disciples to do on the night He was betrayed.
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. (Mark 14:38)
Jesus knew that they would be standing against the enemy that very night, and He also knew that prayer was the best source of protection for them.
Whether we realize it or not, there’s a war taking place in the spiritual realm. While God is at work in our lives, there’s an enemy with a bow in his hand, and he’s aiming straight for our hearts. And so, our first thought should always be prayer. Whether we’re folding laundry, standing at the kitchen sink washing dishes, or driving in our cars, we must be armed and ready for battle.
This Week’s Challenge:
This week I challenge you to set aside at least 10 minutes every day for intentional prayer. Whenever you hear a discouraging thought or feel attacked, pause and say a quick prayer for strength and protection. Write down any specific prayer requests or praises in a journal to help you stay focused during your prayer time. Remember Nehemiah’s example of praying and posting a guard, and commit to being vigilant in your spiritual life this week.
Take Note:
As you go through the questions at the end of each chapter, you’ll find that some of them relate to you personally. There’s no right or wrong answer with these questions as they are designed for soul searching.
I will be back on Friday to give you my thoughts on this chapter and some of the questions from the study guide. Again, if you are looking for the printable chapter, you can find it at the bottom of the email you receive from Time-Warp Wife. If you have any trouble subscribing, feel free to email me at darlene @darleneschacht.net (no spaces in that email address)
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