A Lesson Learned: The Enemy’s Tactics
I’m convinced that we are under attack. Not physically, politically, or even emotionally. We are under attack spiritually. Who is “we”??? Everyone, really, but especially parents. And how do I know this??? Because the Bible says it:
“For our struggle is not 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.” -Ephesians 6:12
Yes, as much as it scares me to even talk about…there is spiritual warfare going on all around us. And I think that parents, especially mothers, are facing a full-blown assault.
I was recently reminded by my friends Julie and Shilo in their Mother’s Day posts about the power that motherhood holds. As the poem Shilo shared says..
“For the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world.”
The enemy wants to do everything he can to prevent us from raising faithful children who love the Lord. But it must be a difficult task for him to weasel his way in.
Because we want to protect the innocence of our children, we are vigilant about the media that we allow into our homes (which, in-turn, protects us as well).
Because little eyes are watching, we want to set a good example and “do what’s right”.
Because little ears are listening, we carefully choose the words we say.
Because we want our children to enjoy God’s word, we study it ourselves.
We are guarding our families from the blatant attacks from the enemy that we’ve seen destroy others. There will never be a time in the lives of our children when we have as much control over what they’re exposed to than while they are young. We know this and we are wholeheartedly trying to stay faithful in God’s word. In the midst of trying to instill a love for God in our children and preserve their innocence, why does it feel like we still can’t claim victory???
It’s because the enemy has found another way through our seemingly impenetrable walls…through self-doubt and unrealistic expectations of ourselves.
This has been a huge struggle for me lately. I honestly haven’t felt like I can do anything right. I doubt my ability to raise our children to love the Lord. I doubt my ability to make a difference in this world. I doubt my ability to serve. It seems to me that someone can always do “it” better than I can.
A very small part of this, I fervently believe, is God using child-rearing to humble my (at times) prideful heart. He has taught me to need Him and not to depend on myself. I can’t be the kind of person I want to be, or the person my children need me to be, on my own. I must look to His strength, love, and kindness.
But the feelings of self-doubt are not from God. They are Satan’s way of attacking me. Because when I feel like this, I am debilitated. I am grouchy. I am irritable and short-fused. I don’t want to serve because I don’t feel like it. And that’s just what the enemy wants…
So…what do I do to win this battle??? I’m not entirely sure, but I think looking to God’s word is the right start. And recognizing that it is an attack that I must battle against.
I asked my cousin Eric (a minister who is currently working on his Doctorate in Ministry) if he had any scripture suggestions. He suggested memorizing the following scriptures as “breath prayers”, which are short prayers said throughout the day to center our minds on God. The first line is intended to be said as you “inhale” and the second line as you “exhale”.
“I wait for the Lord, my soul wait,
and in his word I hope…” (Ps 130:5)
and in his word I hope…” (Ps 130:5)
“Hope in the Lord!
For with God is steadfast love and redeeming power.” (Ps 130:7)
“Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth I desire other than you.” (Ps 73:25)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
do not rely on you own understand.” (Prov 3:5)
“Keep me, O God,
for I trust in you.
You show me the path of life.
In you is fullness of joy.” (Ps 16:1, 11)
“God, you made us in your image.
You created us in your likeness.” (Gen. 1:26)
You created us in your likeness.” (Gen. 1:26)
“I have been crucified with Christ;
now Christ lives in me.” (Gal 1:19-20)
now Christ lives in me.” (Gal 1:19-20)
I’m planning on writing these down on index cards first until I get them memorized. They each offer such amazing encouragement that I am made in the likeness of God, have Christ living inside of me, and can trust and hope in God above all else! What a victory I will claim if I can recite these scriptures when feelings of self doubt emerge.
Perhaps I’m the only one who feels this way. But I would venture to guess that I’m not alone. In fact, a friend of mine who I was visiting with this past week opened my eyes to the fact that these feelings we’ve been feeling ARE attacks from the Enemy. When we don’t feel like we’re doing “it” right, we just stop trying. And when we stop trying, that’s when he can get an even bigger foothold in our families.
(And since this has been a pretty “heavy” post, I thought I would share this hilarious and appropriately warrior-themed picture with you. My big brother wanted this to be the picture that came up on my phone when he called…he is a hoot and always keeps us laughing! And if you can’t tell, that’s a sword he’s holding and pointing his finger at me!) :)
So stay strong, fellow Mothers, and refuse to be defeated by this enemy…if it’s the last thing YOU do!
I'm a Grammie who was introduced to your site by my daughter – thanks for sharing – much truth here. I'll be praying for you.
AMEN! You are not alone in this daily battle! THANK YOU for the breath prayers…I will be memorizing these as well!!! I'm so inspired by your blog; thank you for sharing all you do!
Oh how I so often struggle with this! Thank you for sharing and encouraging!
Thank for articulating what so many of us are going through! I left my job at a women's college to be a stay at home mom. It was amazing to leave this place that was dedicated to empowering women to join mothers who I know already have so much power – and yet don't often feel it! The hand that rocks the cradle DOES rule the world. But, amid the 5,000th diaper change and snack being handed out, it's hard to keep that perspective. So, thank you for refocusing it!
I needed to hear this and I know many others do to. It seems like every time I take a step forward in my calling as a mom for the Lord, the enemy starts swirlng lies and insults my way even more fiercely. I'm clinging to the power of the resurrection just to get out of my head and be present each day. I'm reading Ephesians 1 daily and working to committ it to memory.
I've been feeling this as well. I've been almost crippled by this feeling! Thank you for putting it so well. It is sooo uplifting to know I'm not the only one who feels this way.
I love your Sunday posts! And, as you can already see, you are not alone!! Thanks for the encouragement and I'll be praying for you as well.
totally get it.
totally.
this is good.
I feel like this at least once a week! You are NOT alone. And through your struggle, there is a mom reading this now who thought she was the only one who didn't have it all together all the time. :) You are doing a great thing with your blog. The most important thing to learn and share is God's love, which is the easiest thing to share with your kids! Saying a prayer for you today!
Great post! We are under attack by the enemy but also by "well-meaning" family and friends who want us not to "shelter" our kids.
Truth!
Actually,I felt like that yesterday when I found out a friend of mine received an bachelors degree. I felt like I was stupid to stay home and homeschool and not be out there being a professional.I do feel like that at times but,something always bring me back to Gods reality. I love being Gods daughter.
Powerful post. I was thinking, "this is a really good post" and then realized "hey! She linked me!"
I loved the "inhale" "exhale"- found myself doing that for each verse & realized how much more impact each had.
Lastly… got to the bottom and totally cracked up at the pic of Chris. Nice touch :).
Thank you for this great post. The family is certainly under attack, and I'm glad you are brave enough to talk about it. We do need to be so much more vigilant in protecting our families!
Thanks again for this!
Wow! This never could come at a better time! I so needed to read this! Had a rough morning so thank you!!! (sniffles) I need to practice memorizing the scriptures, thank you for the encouragement and reminding me that I'm not alone!
Self doubt and the Devil attacking come in many different areas of our life. I have been feeling them too and I really appreciate all that you shared!
I had posted some of my thoughts here: http://proverbs31living.blogspot.com/2011/06/spring-rain-for-my-soul.html