Someone's At The Front Door

     When life is pressing hard against you, press hard into the presence of God.  It’s the only solution to overcome the trials of life.  When the trials hit us hard, we sometimes doubt God’s care or the truth of what is embedded in our heart.  Yet, the truth of God’s Word will always anchor our spirit. 

     A few years ago, I can recall one of the darkest periods of my life.  Regardless of what direction, all areas of my life were attacked.  First, it started with my job, overtime was no longer allowed.  So, I had to get a part-time job to supplement our income.  Second, my husband who was perfectly healthy had to have surgery.  Next, we had a flood inside our house causing major damaged to our home.  Both vehicles had some need of repair and the kids were sick, one needing medical attention.  Besides my family, I got a muscle spasm in my back which caused me not to be able to hardly walk for three months.  Lastly, my full-time job laid me off after five years of service, so I only had my part-time job.  With no job, savings depleted, my family unhealthy, I admit my hope was almost gone.

     In the midst of all the turmoil, my heart was completely overwhelmed.  Without medical insurance, we had to use up our savings.  Our home insurance covered most of the damages but we didn’t have the funds to finish it.  My husband’s recovery from surgery was quick, so he was able to aid me to recovery.  All of the children were healthy again but it was mom who needed medical help.  As the months passed, I was able to walk again through physical therapy.  Also, I was able to find another job but it was a major cut in pay.  As we gained our lives back, it was difficult to stand in the midst of the storm.

     During one night, I just lay upon my bed and wept before God.  No words could be uttered, only groans.  My soul was so perplexed, torn, and afraid.  Truly, I was grateful for the Holy Spirit who prayed through me, I just didn’t have the words. 

     When our faith is tested, it will truly show what we believe.  All I could hold onto was the past experiences of God’s deliverances within my life.  If God delivered before, He can do it again.  Day and night, I would cry to God, my heart was weak.  Have you ever been there?

     It usually during those moments, it seems as if Satan is trying to destroy us.  We can see the fiery darts but we are too weak to hold up the shield.  As the battle gets hotter, we find we have no more artillery.  May I remind you, the battle is the Lord’s!  Where does our help come from?  The Maker of Heaven and Earth. (Psalm 121:2-3)  Whom shall I fear?  If an army besieges me, even then I will be confident in God’s right hand.  (Psalm 27:1-3)

          One of my favorite stories is found in 2 Kings 6:15-17, a marvelous story of God’s care of His children.  Elisha was a prophet of God who was mightily used for the protection of Israel.  An evil king of Aram desired to destroy Israel but God advised Elisha of his battle plans.  So, when the king of Aram tried to attack, Israel was already prepared.  The king couldn’t get the upper hand, so he tried to find out their secret-it was the prophet Elisha.  Yet, the king felt that he had a traitor within his midst so he questioned them.  As he found out Israel’s secret, he decided to destroy Elisha.  Well, if that’s not a target on one’s back, I don’t know what is.  While the enemy was preparing to attack Elisha, he had no idea.  Elisha had a marvelous night sleep, so he gets up to find an army at his front door and the city.  As Elisha’s servant cries out in fear, he stands confident of God’s protection.  “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered.  “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” ~ 2 Kings 6:16   

     The enemy wants us to be afraid of his words, his tactics, and his army.  He will try to surround us but he will never defeat us.  God doesn’t slumber or sleep, He is completely prepared to protect His children.  As Elisha prayed for the servant, “O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.”  Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”~2 Kings 6:17

     Although the enemy may have you surrounded, I pray God opens your eyes to see the chariots of fire surrounding you.  He will always protect, lift you up, and go into battle for you.  God never prepares His children for failure but for success.  Right now, it may seem as if the world is caving but if it does, I am on the Rock!  All of the rocks may fall down but God is building a mountain for to climb. 

     We are hard pressed on every side but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed. ~ 2 Corinthians 3:8-9