The scene jumps to a pivotal part of the plot as you finally believe you’ll learn what will happen to the protagonist in the show. Will she choose bachelor #1 or #2? You, as the viewer, have already made the decision for her but you silently hope she hears you as you hurl your opinions at the television. Or maybe it’s just me who hollers out the answers to the characters, real and fictitious. You know, when you tell them to run from the strange assailant lurking in the dark alley or you scream out answers to the game show questions to the confused contestant! I think we’ve all been there. I know how frustrating it can be to wait for the next segment or episode. Let me apologize for leaving you on that semi-cliffhanger, with the last blog entry.

I spoke more about my personal context and set the scene for what God revealed with the last feature. We left off discussing spiritual warfare briefly as I shared not the finest hour of me as a mom with you. But hey, we’re all works in progress.

Now, let’s recall the last scripture we discussed_¹:

”For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” ²

Whereas I know that the devil can’t be blamed for everything. The Word of God is clear; our struggles can be a heart issue in many cases. Something was present in my heart stance and sinful nature that led me to act improperly. James 1:13-15³ references how temptation serves to “entice us and drag us away” from God’s order and verses 19-20 and 26 of the same chapter remind us to control our mouth! Ouch! I had taken the bait!

I won’t continue to keep you hangin’! The rest of that not-so-great day with my son really ended with a mom-initiated apology and invitation for my son to share his thoughts and feelings, NOT giving him a lecture. Perhaps what I was tempted to do in that situation was to establish a control I never had. As a result of taking a humble position, my son shared his own reflections, also apologized and we ended in prayer. It’s not about perfection with God; it’s about His perfecting work regarding my transformation. I don’t know why I’m so hard on myself. God only desires that we acknowledge our sin before him, repent and receive His Love, forgiveness, and grace to keep going⁴.

I know I get weak, but in You I am strong. Your Love paid it all … You still love me even when I fall…I know You still love me even when I fall.
“You Still Love Me”, lyrics by Koryn Hawthorne

Reflection Questions for your prayer time with God: 1. Are there areas of my life that feel under attack? If so, how can I surrender them to God? 2. Are there areas you’re trying to control or fix on your own? 3. Is there any known sin to confess? 4. If you ask, the Holy Spirit will reveal those areas to you. Pray that God reveal those vulnerable areas to you and cleanse you of sinful and unhealthy behaviors and patterns.

Footnotes:
1 There will be more to discuss much later.
2 Ephesians 6:12 NKJV
3 Read the full Chapter of James 1; It’s soooo very good!
4 Psalm 51:1-4, 7, 10, 17 (read the entire Psalm for complete context); 1 John 8-10.