A Call to Relieve the Battle Within
Are you sick and tired of struggling with your battles? Do you have a feeling of hopelessness? We have a prayer team that is committed to lifting your needs and requests to the Lord in prayer.
Join us for our Daily Devotional Chat today in our Women’s Chatroom at 10:30am EST.
I was reminded recently, as I thought about the war in Iraq, that there are multitudes of people here on the home front who are engaged in battle from within against the enemy of their souls. As Christians it is our duty and privilege to pray for those who have gone to war to defend our country’s safety, and then there are folks we meet every day who are involved in conflicts not seen by anyone from the external. It is our privilege to pray for them as well.
There is the single mom, discouraged as she struggles with finances; a middle-aged adult feeling a sense of helplessness in dealing with a parent who is battling Alzheimer’s or some other debilitating disease; a man without a job; homes where kids are in rebellion and bondage to drugs; or the challenges of raising a child with special needs, to name a few.
Inundated by the evening news reports we can become consumed by everything that is happening outside our country on foreign soil. Therefore, we should pause, take stock of our families, our neighbors, our local church and ask God “what are the needs that lie within these boundaries?”
Pray for sensitivity to the Spirit’s prompting to notice the countenance of people you come in contact with. Listen with spiritual hearing to the voices of those around you and you will hear their pain. Detect the facial expressions that reveal there is something deep within that needs the Lord’s touch. Pray for God to let your hands be His hands by sharing the love and compassion of Jesus in order to show how much you really care and how much Christ loves them.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).
Heavenly Father, I pray that I will be disciplined in Your Word that I may hear and respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit when I am directed to meet the needs of others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Questions: When, in my own life, have I battled against an enemy within and needed to feel a comforting touch or hear an encouraging voice? Ask the Lord to show you who you can respond to today with His love and care. What benefits do we reap as a result of obedience?
About Phylenia G. French
Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Four Grizzly Bears, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog
thank you
This devotion was a real blessing to me. I have had to fight many battles from within and I am so thankful for those in the body that reached out to me to encourage, comfort, and love. I want to give back so much. I pray that God will truly give me this sensitivity to others. This was my prayer yesterday before I read this devotion. So neat to get this to spur us on.
martienne,
we are not able to do anything without God. only God, through His Spirit will lead us, make us determined to press on to victory.
your situation has so touched my heart. God’s speed.
When I made that comment I never expected everyone here to address it and make me feel so good. Thank you all! From the wonderful prayer to the words of wisdom, you all have lifted my spirit. And your right, Marilyn. When I say things about Meghan getting a lot of socialization and classroom-type interaction in church, they roll their eyes. And, my husband pointed out that, since the coordinator started getting so mean when I told her that my daughter is staying with the curriculum without delays now that she’s homeschooled, she’s probably feeling threatened, just like you said. So, I’m going to take your advice and remember that I’m a representative of Christianity when I’m there, and someone who decicdes the fate of special needs children within the school district could benefit from a little light. So, a little light I will be!
and oh, another thing, Martienne, do not let the hurtful words of others discourage you — you know what is true, and our Lord knows the intent of your heart, and that is all that really matters! Remember, my dear one, that these public school administrators may not know the Savior, and therefore their security is found in their job, not in the One Who provides it!! And, in being so, they may feel threatened by the success of homeschooling, and speak from fearful hearts. Continue praying for them, and let them see the reflection of Jesus in you, as you forgive them for their unkind words. As they feel His love expressed through you, they will likely be drawn to Him and come to understand the convictions that you have! God bless!
martienne,
suffering is a difficult time to be grateful. we all experience it in one way or the other, but a thankful heart always drives anxiety and fear out of the heart.
God bless and press on knowing that the Lord is there for you and your whole family.
Dear Martienne, I praise our Lord for His quickening the hearts of those who would interfere with your loving efforts to ‘train up your child in the way she should go!’ It is very sad that people seem so polarized on the issue of homeschooling, not considering the benefits it offers to specific children! Every child is unique, and has gifts that are wrapped differently. It is our privilege, and responsibility, as parents to study our precious children, and discover their strengths (gifts), as well as their weaknesses, and guide them according to our knowledge and understanding of them. Many children adapt well to the traditional public school setting, without distraction, or compromised faith. Others benefit in a private school setting, where they remain in a classroom setting, but with more structured environment, and often with a faith-based curriculum. Then, there are others, who do not thrive in the classroom setting, but blossom beautifully in a less structured, hands-on training setting, where peer pressure/intimidation is exchanged for a loving family atmosphere. As each child is different and has different needs, no two children will necessarily benefit by the same educational experience. I have known families who either home-schooled all of their children, and others who sent all their children to the public schools. This is not necessarily the right decision for each child. While it may be convenient for the parents, a child placed in a setting that is ill-suited for her/him, can result in lack of achievement, and/or frustration for both parents and child. God bless you, Martienne, for your love for your precious daughter, and your sacrifice of time in meeting her educational needs! May our Lord bless you, dear sister, for your dedication to the high calling of motherhood!
Thank you so much, Marilyn! Prayers are exactly what it will take for them to open their eyes. And, thankfully, my husband only spent one day doubting me (turns out he was afraid his parents were going to doubt me while we were there on Thanksgiving). But, supposedly the relatives were amazed at how far she has come now that she’s homeschooled.
SO…thank you Jesus for answering my prayers and using my daughter as a testimony to what bringing a child up in the Lord can do!
Now I just need to pray for the ladies at the school to avoid the snide remarks about homeschoolers, and it sounds like your prayer did just the thing, Marilyn. Thank you again! It brought tears to my eyes.
Martienne, may I pray for you? It must be quite discouraging to be certain that your efforts on behalf of your daughter are beneficial to her, despite the negative feedback you’re getting from your school district and husband. Let’s pray for God to intercede and give His wisdom to the situation . . .
Precious Lord Jesus, we praise You that You have shown us alternative means for educating our children, when the traditional methods fail us. Thank You for parents who are committed to their little ones, and are willing to make sacrifices to offer them every opportunity at success! Lord, we know that every child is precious to You, each one with unique gifts and purpose, and it is our privilege as parents to partner with You in nurturing, guiding, disciplining, and teaching them! This is no easy assignment, and we thank You that Your Holy Spirit is ever present to direct our steps in the process! Lord, we lift up Martienne and her family to you, for your divine intervention and wisdom! Minister to her discouraged spirit, we pray, and guide her in her home-schooling efforts with her daughter. Grant the district administrators sensitivity and compassion, prompting them to be cooperative with Martienne, as it benefits her daughter. Wherever there is conflict between Martienne and the school district, Lord, we ask that You illuminate the circumstances clearly, that all would seek to work in harmony for her daughter’s gain. Grant Martienne the humility to receive constructive criticism as it is offered in the spirit of love and caring, either from her husband, or from school personnel. Lord, You know the circumstances surrounding Martienne’s homeschooling conflict, and we would ask that Your Holy Spirit would convict those who are willfully hindering her daughter’s education, giving all decision-makers Your wisdom and direction. And, Lord, bless this precious little girl with Your tender care and abiding love, that she may come to know You as her Lord and Savior! In Your most holy Name, Jesus, Amen!
andi, i understand what you are saying-”far worse issues”. take a look around, there is always someone ‘worse’ off. it should open one’s heart and realize the blessings we do have and not the blessings we don’t
You’ve hit the nail on the head w/this devotional thot. When I look outward toward others and their needs I learn: to take the focus of life off me; that others are grappling w/far worse issues; it draws me to prayer for others; and into praise for HIM for life and joy and being
This sure hit home today. I’m struggling with a special needs daughter, fighting the school system in an effort to get help for her, all the while being criticized by them because I’m home schooling her (one thing I’m doing that I can say is truly working). Not only is this an external battle (me vs them) but it has become an internal battle because of their criticism. And, because of their comments my husband is even doubting me, which doesn’t help. I know that everything I’m doing is not only the best thing for her, but I also know without a doubt that it’s God’s will for her. I know this deep down inside…but that doesn’t stop the flaming arrows. It truly is a battle right now, and it didn’t make for a fun Thanksgiving.