Beautiful Balance

Before vacation I began a series called "Beautiful Battle" based on a novel about spiritual warfare by Mary DeMuth. This was going to be partnered with "Joyful Mothering;" however, she pushed the series back until later this fall. I felt the nudge to go ahead and begin. I felt that there were pieces in this novel that I needed to know sooner rather than later. I was right.

I'm going to begin where I left off on Chapter 4 of "Beautiful Battle" where I learn all about balancing fear and faith...

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When thinking of Spiritual Warfare, there is the possibility of both dismissing its existence and over dwelling on the unseen struggles. Amazingly, these two opposites can even happen with close encounter to the other. Spiritual Battles take many forms and it is possible to focus too much on one aspect while others blow past you.

Chapter for of DeMuth's "Beautiful Battle" discusses balancing the perspective of spiritual warfare. The title of the chapter describes DeMuth's intention well-- "Living the Right Story: Balancing Between Ignorance and Overreaction."

Satan has many names, but so does God. For every name and description of Satan, God has one better. The bible shows over and over again that Satan has no power against the Almighty God. God created Satan, Jesus took authority over him and has already defeated any of Satan's activity. Jesus has also presented that authority to us by being the sacrifice and sharing his blood.

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"Adversary" is one of Satan's many names. It means to hide in ambush, like prey. However, the Lord is our Shepard and protects s from prey. God protects us from Satan's attacks.

One of Satan's greatest tricks is temptation, which labeled him "the tempter." It is important to remember that it is Satan who tempts, not God.

"And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, "God is tempting me." God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else." James 1:13

It is also important to remember, regarding temptation, that God is in control of Satan and will not allow more than you are capable of handling.

"The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When yo are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure." 1 Corinthians 10:13

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There are many trials in life, times of ups and downs, and happenstances beyond our control. I'm am going through that right now with my third miscarriage. It is a struggle that I know God has weighed whether I can handle it. Thankfully, I am strong enough in faith with Him that I can. Through all the rough times God provides a way and watches after his beloved children. Through struggle God strengthens us and brings us closer to Him. The struggles I face right now has put me face to face once a again with a God that listens, grieves with me and strengthens me.

Satan is a liar and a deceiver. DeMuth makes the point that Satan is unable to speak the truth. God on the other hand only speaks truth.

"Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." John 14:6

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Although Satan leads with lies, false inspiration, and attempts to destroy good, God is light, hope and truth. Satan cannot destroy God or what he protects. If we keep our eyes focused on God and righteousness we will see through Satan's lies and deceptions.

There is a fine line between calling Satan out and expecting him in every little aspect of life. Though we should not take Satan's worldly influences lightly, we should also not obsess over his schemes because that is the precise attention he desires. God is bigger. By going through Jesus and being covered by his blood we tap into his authority over Satan. Jesus' sacrifice overthrew any hope of Satan's success by conquering all sin.

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We need to focus on God, but still have an understanding of Satan's schemes. We must look inward to our souls and strengthen our relationship with God which will reduce our attention on distractions, judgments and views of worldly success. We should strive toward Godly standards. It isn't easy, but it is important to find a balance between fear and faith.

*Note: This is a series that I will link up with at "Joyful Mothering;" however, the group discussion will not begin until later this fall. For now, I feel compelled to continue studying and posting what I learn.

Devotional Study based on "Beautiful Battle" a novel by Mary DeMuth.

The Beautiful Battle Series:
Part One: Foundations
Introduction: "Warrior Women"
Chapter One: “Beautiful Battle”

Chapter One: "Woman at the Well"
Chapter Two: "Satan: The Enemy"
Chapter Three: "Why Do We Suffer?"

Chapter Four: "Beautiful Balance"

Why Do We Suffer?

That is what Mary DeMuth discussed in Chapter 3 of her novel “Beautiful Battle,” at least that is my take away from it. The title of the chapter is “The Right Story: God’s Sovereignty. The Wrong Story: Our Comfort.” The wording of this initially confused me, though I understand it well enough now. This is a chapter I want to dissect a little bit, for me to fully understand what DeMuth is explaining.

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The first thing I did after I finished reading the chapter is look up the word “sovereignty,” more specifically the root word “sovereign.” The word appears often in the chapter and also in correspondence to God.

As an adjective, as describing God, “sovereign” means: 

1. Having supreme rank, power or authority 
2. Supreme, preeminent, indisputable 
3. Greatest in degree, utmost, extreme 
4. Being above all others in character, importance and excellence 

     (Dictionary.com)

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After taking in the impressive definition of “sovereign,” I agree it is a good word to describe God. In fact, many of the words to define it are also used in reference to our Holy Creator. So in respect of the title of DeMuth’s chapter three, “The Right Story: God’s Sovereignty,” we are talking about God’s absolute power, authority and supreme rank above all else (including Satan).

On the first page of Chapter 3, DeMuth states, “Satan isn’t behind every annoyance. It’s simplistic to think that Satan is our only obstacle on this earth...(p37)” I both agree and disagree with this statement. In the context DeMuth is talking about the obstacles she faced when she and her family lived abroad. We all face similar obstacles on a daily basis. We are troubled by finances, sickness, work environments, attitudes of the people surrounding us, even a bad hair day. Did Satan wake up and cause your hair to not fall in place, no. But Satan does not have to be there controlling every action to cause us to question and be quick to anger.

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Satan is “of the world” and he roams the world. These are concepts I have covered so far in this devotional study. Satan is not behind every small this that goes wrong. However, Satan is the root of all evil and all cause to sin. So Satan would not have made my hair stand on end, but if I said “Satan get out of my head and under my feet in the name of Jesus,” it would still be effective to the situation. I am using the blood of Jesus within me to call on God’s authority to overcome the Devil. Satan was not the cause of my hair not cooperating, but he was the cause of me feeling vanity of it not looking right. Satan does not have to be present in any situation for us to be affected by his deceptiveness and his lies.

In my opinion this is what Spiritual Warfare is all about. We have talked about being covered with the blood of Jesus and we have talked about God’s Sovereignty, his authority over the Devil. Spiritual Warfare is being able to confidently and consistently use that power over the evil forces roaming the earth and meddling in our everyday lives. If we can stand up, in the name of Jesus, and rid our minds of these evil, sinful thoughts then we can live a life full of God’s love and grace.

Already, by digging deeper and exploring the idea of God’s Sovereignty, his authority over Satan and how that affects Spiritual Warfare, I understand this chapter a little better. It also is an easy lead in to DeMuth’s second aspect of the chapter “The Wrong Story: Our Comfort.”

When it comes to the subject of suffering, DeMuth, like many others calls on the book of Job. Job is a very hard book to read, but it is also full of many wonderful lessons when it comes to God’s love.

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The basic story of Job is that Satan comes to God to talk. “Then the Lord asked Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless--a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil” (Job 1:8). Satan replies that of course he fears God because his life is perfect. Job has a family, a house, he prospers in everything he does. Satan challenges that if Job lost all that he holds dear, he would turn his back on God. God allows Satan to take all of his possessions to find out the result. Even when Job loses everything he still praises God. Satan then asks God to take away his health. God agrees, but even then Job is still loyal to God. Throughout the story Job has several misled friends who encourage Job to repent of his sins and turn back to God so he may be healed. However, Job is faithful to the Lord, is honest and true. He had done nothing wrong and he knew it. Job takes his message straight to God. Through this hardship, Job formed an even closer relationship with God. Eventually, God proved his point and gave Job even more prosperity than he had before.

There are many take aways from Job’s story:

1. All Satan’s doings are filtered through God’s hands 
2. Put your trust in the Lord, not in people around you 
3. Go to the Lord first with all of your questions and desires 
4. Suffering is often not a response to anything we did wrong 
5. The Lord gives and he can take away 
6. Be content with what you have for it is all fleeting 

These are a few among many lessons, but the most important lesson to learn from Job, that DeMuth also points out is that through hardship we become closer to God. When we reach out to communicate with him daily, when we depend on him for our very survival, and when we go to him for our comfort and not the world, we step a little closer to him.

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This ties in to the chapter title that states our comfort is the wrong path. By following God and maintaining an active and close relationship to him we will not always be comfortable. The closer we are to God the more Satan wants to hurt us (like he did with Job) because it would hurt God greater to see us suffer. However, God allows suffering because that is how he comes to know us better and us him. God made the ultimate sacrifice when he sent his son, Jesus, to walk the earth and die for all of our sins. That decision had nothing to do with comfort, it had everything to do with love. God allowed the ultimate form of suffering so that he may know his people closer.

DeMuth states in concurrence with this concept, “trials and struggles and distresses simply help us to become more like Jesus. More selfless. More giving. More hope-filled. More forgiving. More abundant” (p38). This life isn’t about comfort. It is about learning, growing close to God while on the earth, helping others in any way that we can and going home to be with the Father once again.

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I want to go one step further. You do not need worldly comfort or possessions to know true joy. It is forming and maintaining this close relationship with God that you find that constant, underlying joy in your heart no matter what is going on around you. There are days when Satan is continuing to knock at your door, but if you have joy in your heart, if you are covered by the blood of Jesus and reaching out to God everyday then no matter what happens you are blessed. God is watching out for you, running closer to you and looks forward to the day when you can sit next to the throne of God and tell the stories of how you overcame all obstacles.

Why do we suffer?

Because God loves us and wants a close relationship with us. He wants to be the first one you go to when Satan bothers you, when you have a bad day or a good day, when there are others in trouble that you want to help and even when you are so happy you can’t hold it all inside. God wants to be there. Just like our earthly parents, he wants to be involved, he wants to help and guide you on your way, he wants to know how it all worked out. Sure, he is all-knowing, but it is important that he hears the news from us.

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We suffer because if we don’t know pain and loss then we can never really know prosperity and true joy. Our God is a good God. Spiritual Warfare is real. It is our choice to equip ourselves with the knowledge and the armor of God. With our close relationship to God, the blood of Jesus covering us and our hearts full of joy we can step onto the battlefield confident knowing our enemy, the Devil, is going down.


*Note: This is a series that I will link up with at "Joyful Mothering;" however, the group discussion will not begin until later this fall. For now, I feel compelled to continue studying and posting what I learn.

Devotional Study based on "Beautiful Battle" a novel by Mary DeMuth.

The Beautiful Battle Series:
Part One: Foundations
Introduction: "Warrior Women"
Chapter One: “Beautiful Battle”

Chapter One: "Woman at the Well"
Chapter Two: "Satan: The Enemy"
Chapter Three: "Why Do We Suffer?"

Spiritual Warfare in Action

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This is my story of overcoming the Devil...

I've been working on a series on Spiritual Warfare called "Beautiful Battle" based on Mary DeMuth's novel by the same name. It has been a wonderful study so far as I'm sure you can tell if you have read any of the way to long responses I have to the book. This is what happened to me this week that makes Spiritual Warfare come alive in everyday life.

I am pregnant, which I am ridiculously excited about. However, after two miscarriages I am nervous for the baby growing inside me. I eagerly want to carry this baby to term and introduce him or her into our little family.

My first prenatal appointment was on Friday. The night before there were three small pink spots that scared me into panic. Bleeding was the first sign of my last two pregnancies. I flipped, terrified that I was going to have another miscarriage. My husband reassured me and he was right, we were going to see the doctor first thing in the morning. There was nothing I could do about it in any case and there was no reason to worry.

Of course, I worried.

Honestly I stayed up way too late worrying. I stayed up having conversations with God.

This idea of "conversations with God" makes some people turn heads. However, I have been conversing with God for years. No one knows yourself and what is important like God does. Most of the time I ask him questions and he answers me with an overwhelming feeling or sometimes even a sort of dialogue that remains in my head. This is a hard concept to explain, but the important part is, God helps me through many tough times I go through.

This time I didn't so much ask God anything. I begged. I begged until couldn't form words anymore that this baby was going to be alright. I felt God was sort of rolling his eyes at me (of course that is a very human action to describe God, but it is accurate enough.) I realized then that this had nothing to do with me needing to beg. This was a chance for me to take control of my own Spiritual Warfare.

In a moment my perspective changed. I no longer became a victim of the battle, I became a force to be reckoned with. I had the authority of God behind me, I was covered by the blood of Jesus and I was ready to fight. I told the devil to get under my feet in the name of Jesus. I declared that my body is fit and ready to carry this baby who will be healthy, intelligent and strong. I resigned to not let my fear control me that this baby is a child of God whether he or she is 6 weeks old in my womb or 100 years old and lived his or her entire life. I commanded Satan to stay away from this baby because she dwells within my who is covered by Jesus' blood, protected by God's own sacrifice. No one in this world or the next can harm this baby unless God himself decides he is taking baby home early. I finally found enough solace in that conformation to go to sleep.

The next morning, there was no more spotting. The OB confirmed my health and the baby's health even though he or she is still very early in gestation. So far, everything is going perfectly with the pregnancy. The doctor gave me some extra vitamins that should help me carry the baby, but I believe the real battle happened the night before, while I was struggling to go to sleep, having conversations with God and putting the Devil in his place (far away from me.)

Did Satan actually attack my baby in the Spiritual realm. I have no idea. It is a possibility, though also possibly not. That is not what is important. What is important is that it is Satan's tricks include doubt, deception, fear--all of which I was experiencing. I relied myself with God, put my trust in him and used his authority to drive away Satan and all of my fears with him. I stepped onto the Spiritual Battlefield and won, thanks to Jesus.

Since that night and my doctor's appointment I have had a beautiful peace over this baby and my entire pregnancy. I thank God for how wonderful he is. I am blessed and I know that God is in control and he loves me and my family very much. Our little bean is in good hands. I feel lighter, more happy, more confident and completely joyful again. This baby is a miracle in every way I can possibly imagine.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9



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Satan: The Enemy

Mary DeMuth, in her novel "Beautiful Battle," does a very good job of describing the character of Satan so he is easy to understand, especially within the confines of this book. This is a part that isn’t so much discovering something about yourself as it is learning about Satan and who our foe really is. It is educational and insightful.

For my response to this particular chapter about Satan, I am going to do more of a summary adding in other sources and pieces I have learned about the Devil. Since this is a chapter about gaining knowledge, I will lay that out in a way to come back to if I ever need to remember who we are dealing with when it comes to Spiritual Warfare.

DeMuth opens Chapter Two up with a quote from C.S. Lewis:

“There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors, and hail a materialist or magician with the same delight.”

C.S. Lewis
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This quote sums up DeMuth’s points on the Devil well. Satan is an enemy of God, one who seeks to destroy. By not believing in him, we give him power as we do by obsessing over his existence. It is important to acknowledge Satan, but only with the understanding that he can not harm those who are protected by the blood of Jesus.

Who is Satan?

The origin of Satan is a debated topic. There is no storyline of “The Fall,” of angels falling from the grace of God lead by Satan, but several verses and philosophies have painted this picture. This is the context that DeMuth uses in her descriptions of Satan. He was the chief of the angels that became discontent in giving all the glory to God, he wanted to keep the focus on himself and his power. Satan was banished from heaven leaving him angry and vengeful against God. 

Depiction of Satan
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DeMuth mentions two verses (Isaiah 14:4, 12-15 and Ezekiel 28:2, 12-17) in which “the Fall” of Satan is described. These are the only two verses I can find upon further research on the subject.

“How you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning! You have been thrown down to the earth, you who destroyed the nations of the world. For you said to yourself, “I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars. I will preside on the mountains of the gods far away to the north. I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.” Instead, you will be brought down to the place of the dead, down to its lowest depths.” (Isaiah 14:12-15)

This does describe “The Fall” as we have come to understand it. But it must not have been very important to God for he did not see it necessary to include it in the Bible. It seems that the origin of Satan is not incredibly important. But there are many glimpses of Satan throughout the Bible and especially in Revelation. This tells me it is important to know Satan and what his games are so we can overcome his tricks.

Denying Satan
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Often in the Bible, we see the phrase “of the world.” In most cases, this is a reference to the Devil since he is “thrown down to earth.” John states that “the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10a). By putting these two ideas together, of Satan being ruler of the earth and coming to destroy good we can begin to see the method of Satan’s tricks against humanity.

I say this to explain why when DeMuth provides the verse 1 John 2:16, it is to set up and very forcible equation of how Satan works. He wants pleasure, stuff and achievement (DeMuth p24). She continues with this theme to show how Satan fell; he wanted the pleasure of worship, the the abilities of God and creation and the recognition for making it happen. He uses the same equation on us; he tells us to seek the pleasure, we need the stuff and we deserve the recognition of achievements.

“For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world” (1 John 2:16).

Satan was jealous of God’s love for humanity. DeMuth explains that his jealousy was the cause of Satan’s interference in the Garden of Eden that caused Eve and Adam to bite the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge and cause humanity to also Fall, very similar to Satan (DeMuth 24). It also brought humanity within Satan’s power. He also realized that by hurting humanity, he also hurt God, which fit into his plan of retaliation again the Most High.

The Garden of Eden
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Even though Satan is “of the world,” he is also permitted to roam in heaven and converse with God. We see this clearly in the book of Job.

“One day the angels came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came with them. The Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the Lord, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it” (Job 1:6-7).

Through the years and his comfort level with God, Satan became complacent despite being “Fallen.” He felt like he had control, that he one day may win the war with God and get his revenge. However, God sent his Son to earth to walk among Satan’s domain and see for himself what it was like on Earth among his people.

The Blood of Jesus covers us and makes us whole. When we are filled with “Living Waters” and our gaping holes are overflowing with God’s light, Satan cannot trick us or harm us. We will join Jesus in triumph over the Devil God cast out. Then we can tell the world of our victories in Jesus.

“They triumphed over him [the accuser, Satan] by the blood of the Lamb [Jesus] and by the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:11a).

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Satan is always looking for ways to hurt God. He knows that by hurting us, he hurts God. He is cunning and manipulative. He tempts us, seduces us, deceives us, lies to us, and seeks to destroy our connection to God. He fights against the individual and against the church. There is no way to battle Satan on your own, but with God’s Word and the Blood of Jesus he doesn’t stand a chance. We can be confident in the realm of Spiritual Warfare battling on the same side as Jesus as long as we are covered by his blood.

The best part about talking about Satan is that I read the end of the book, the Bible. The good guys win. Jesus emerges triumphant as does all who follow him.

“And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever” Revelation 20:10.

*Note: This is a series that I will link up with at "Joyful Mothering;" however, the group discussion will not begin until later this fall. For now, I feel compelled to continue studying and posting what I learn.

Devotional Study based on "Beautiful Battle" a novel by Mary DeMuth.

The Beautiful Battle Series:
Part One: Foundations
Introduction: "Warrior Women"
Chapter One: “Beautiful Battle”

Chapter One: "Woman at the Well"

Warrior Women

I love that Demuth calls us “Warrior Women.” That is a very powerful title meant for all Christian women in a world that doesn’t always look at the female population as being powerful. We live in a patriarchal society and in History and Christianity there are not many records of women being at the forefront or often even mattering. We are to serve others, that is true, but it does not mean we are suppose to bow down and let others walk all over us. It means that we are strong enough to help others, we are strong enough to care for our homes and our families, we are strong enough to lift our heads high and praise our Father. We are strong women, we are warrior women who get things done and can truly make an impact on the world around us.

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"She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying: 'Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all.'" Proverbs 31:25-29

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"You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up." Deuteronomy 6:5-7

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"In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete." John 16:23-24

*Note: This is a series that I will link up with at "Joyful Mothering;" however, the group discussion will not begin until later this fall. For now, I feel compelled to continue studying and posting what I learn.

Devotional Study based on "Beautiful Battle" a novel by Mary DeMuth.

The Beautiful Battle Series:

Chapter One: "Woman at the Well"

Chapter One: “Beautiful Battle”

Woman at the Well

I am continuing with Chapter One of “Beautiful Battle” by Mary DeMuth. My first entry from Chapter One is called “Beautiful Battle” which gives an intro into the series and explains my “gaping hole,” my spiritual shortcomings if you will. This is the beginning of a journey into the realm of Spiritual Warfare. I am partnering with “Joyful Mothering” in which we are completing one chapter a week in a joint devotional connected with DeMuth’s book. However, the content is so rich, I couldn’t fit it all in just one post. I want to explain and delve into this subject more.

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DeMuth provides the example of “The Women at the Well” (found in John 4: 1-30). This is a beautiful story that I could spend many pages discussing all the details. Basically, Jesus passes through a small Samaritan village and stop at a well to rest. A Samaritan woman (who Jews would traditionally not associate with) comes to the well where Jesus asks her for a drink. She is taken aback by his request. He explains that he can give her a Living Water that will eternally quench her thirst. She does not understand his offer, but is intrigued by not having to come back to the well for water. Jesus asks her to get her husband, which she replies she does not have one. However, Jesus reveals that she has previously had five husbands and is not married to the man she is living with. She is now convinced Jesus is a prophet because that is the only way he would have known her misgivings. She asks Jesus questions about worship, which he answers saying that “true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23 NLT). She replies that the Messiah is coming and he will explain everything. Jesus replies “I am the Messiah” (John 4:26 NLT). At that the woman returns to town, leaving her water jar at the well, to go tell everyone she has met the Messiah. (I reference John 4:1-30 NLT.)

There are so many opportunities to learn and understand within these scriptures. The first thing I want to bring to light is a fact that DeMuth does not stress in her analysis, but I find to be important.

John says “Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well...” (John 4:6 NLT).

Jesus was tired.

Jesus, the Son of God, was tired.

If Jesus can be tired, it is okay for me to be tired. After we go so long, doing to best we can as much as we can, we can sit down at the well and rest with Jesus. Jesus takes the time to rest, that means I need to too. I am human, just as Jesus was human, and I need rest. That small realization can make a huge difference in your day, your life, your relationship with others and your effectiveness at Spiritual Warfare, which is what this whole book is about. I think I need to say it one more time...

Jesus needed rest and so do I.

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The other takeaways from this powerful scripture are that Jesus contains “Living Waters” and if we let him, he will fill us with those eternal waters so we will no longer thirst for things of the world to fill our “gaping holes.” When we are filled with the Spirit then Satan has a hard time tempting and distracting us. This brings home the point that worldly ways will never satisfy you, but God will satisfy you to overflowing.

DeMuth proclaims that we are the woman at the well. The woman has a “gaping hole,” a feeling of being unwanted and unloved, that she unsuccessfully attempts to fill with the pleasure of men. It is remarkable to her that Jesus, the Messiah, asks her, a broken cistern, for water. In return for her offer, she is given his “Living Waters.” She then leaves her watering jar behind. This is the beginning of our journey into Spiritual Warfare. We leave our method of filling our holes (symbolized by the watering jar left at the well) behind to allow Jesus to fill all of our needs with "Living Water."

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It is important to remember that Satan does not give up easily. He will always be in the shadows waiting for his chance to claim us. We are human and will fall short of God’s glory. One drink of the “Living Waters” is not enough. We must continue to renew the stream and live intimately with God and His Word. Jesus explains to the Woman at the Well that “true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23 NLT). To be fulfilled you only have to worship God from deep inside and carry His message with you so everyone can see his Glory.

DeMuth states, “Spiritual Warfare has more to do with the state of your heart before a holy God than a list of things to do or avoid” (DeMuth p20). If you heart is right with God, if you interact with Him daily and are filled with the “Living Waters” then it is time to continue the journey to the realm of Spiritual Warfare. You may stumble, but get back up with God’s grace. You may have to wade through times of confusion, but seek God’s light to pull you through. You may have to take a leap of faith, but trust God’s voice reaching out to you on the other side. The freedom the “Living Waters” gives you can win many spiritual battles, overcoming the Devil.

Dear Lord,
Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ, who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our sins that will ultimately conquer the Devil once and for all. Thank you for providing us with “Living Waters” that rid the need of any worldly ways so that we may know you intimately through constant prayer and worship. I pray that I continuously fill my “gaping holes” with your “Living Waters” and tell the whole world about your light within me. Help me to learn from the story of the Women at the Well and to remember to rest with Jesus when I am weary. Thank you for this devotional and the fellow bloggers that I connect with. I pray that they learn and grow with you during this journey just as I am. Help me be open minded and hear the lessons you want to teach me through these pages and quiet times together. Thank you for showing me the way and being her when I fall to help me up again. I love you Lord, for all that you are and for all that I can be through your strength and love. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

Previous Entries of the “Beautiful Battle” Series:
Chapter One: “Beautiful Battle”

Linking up with:

Beautiful Battle

I am participating with an ongoing devotional in connection with "Joyful Mothering" to read and discuss "Beautiful Battle: A Woman's Guide to Spiritual Warfare" by Mary DeMuth. Mary has written several fabulous books about devotion to God and being the best woman, wife and mother you can be. This particular devotion is about spiritual warfare and how to live in God's Power in our everyday lives. 

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The first chapter we are reading is called, "Our Story: The Gaping Hole and Freedom." Before we can make an impact in spiritual warfare, we have to be whole in the Lord. This chapter is all about understanding our spiritual weaknesses and learning how to eternally fulfill our hearts with God's love. 

I’m going to be honest, it was hard for me to find my “gaping hole.” I do not say this in a bragging way, not in the least, it is more a shameful recognicion that I had to think really hard about what areas I faulter in. I was looking for something obvious, of course, it wasn’t obvious to me. But I took some time and really prayed on it and God showed me my “gaping hole.”

Zoey and I 

I was out with a couple girlfriends of mine. We had just had a great time shopping and were at dinner. We were talking about religion and God and balance. I spoke of how I am still trying to find a spiritual balance, that I feel like I am all over the place (happy, sad, up, down, etc.) My friend, a wonderful Christian woman, challenged the idea of balance, explaining that to have true balance would negate the reason to live. If we were at perfect zen then there would be no more spiritual quests to go on, no more questions to anwer, no more knowledge to gain. If we were at perfect spiritual balance we wouldn't seek God, his mercy or his love. What would be the point of living in this world without reaching out for God. I never thought of it that way. I wouldn't want to live without God's amazing grace and love.

But what this conversation about balance, God's love and the need for the highs and lows of life is that I actually question too much. I am too curious about how things work and why things are the way they are. God tells me to do something and the first question out of my mouth is “why?” I don’t mean to be troublesome, but I want to know how it all works. I want to know experience how God is working in my life, I want to know how God makes the sun rise, I want to know how my actions affect others around me. I want to know so much, which isn’t always a bad thing, but I need to do now and have the patience for God to show me his purpose in his own time.

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I accept that I am a very inquisitive person, God made me that way and understands me more than I understand myself. Perhaps I need to trust that he is in control and not get caught up in the little things; I need to be okay with the mysteries. I get a gut feeling that God will use my curiosity for a specific purpose if I can learn to put my faith in him and let God lead my constant quest for knowledge and enlightenment in the right direction. This is a subject that I continue to pray about now that God has shown me this revelation. I pray that God can use me to help people around me and in the realm of spiritual warfare.

My other gaping hole, because after God showed me one he was like, oh yeah don’t forget this one that should already know about. That one is that I am too hard on myself. I did already know about this of course. However, I often need a reminder. I get bogged down trying to do so much for everyone else that I forget to take time out for myself. I try so hard to do everything “right” and anytime I miss something or don’t do something as fast or as thoroughly as I would like I have a little mommy freak out moment. I forget something at the store or I miss getting the laundry put up and I feel like I have failed. This is an intense overreaction and I know this, but I am so hard on myself. I want to be the best I can be. This is something I need to work on. I pray to God often to help me realize that I am enough. To know it to my core that He and my family love me no matter what. I have to take a deep breath and pray a lot on the subject.

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After just beginning DeMuth's "Beautiful Battle" I can already see that it is going to make a big impact on me and be a way to connect myself even closer with God. 

Dear God, 

Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity to learn more and grow closer to you. I thank you for fellow bloggers and authors that provide a fellowship and confidants for this spiritual journey.Thank you God for showing me my "gaping holes" and for filling my with the living waters so I can fully enjoy and appreciate the everyday wonders around me. I pray for all those participating in this devotional with me that they each with grow closer to you the more read and delve in to realm of spiritual warfare. Thank you for continuously redeeming me through your amazing grace and mercy. 

In Jesus' name I pray, 

Amen.

This is the first of the "Beautiful Battle" series. 

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