The last few weeks have been very difficult for our family. On June 20th, the stomach bug visited our house, starting with Boogie. It didn’t take long before it attacked the rest of us. Since then, our girls have gotten sick at least twice a week. During this time, our little Boog-man had a blister that popped up on his tongue, which caused him tremendous pain for several days. A toddler + Pain = Not alot of sleep for this mommy and daddy. This has been our reality, and it has been frustrating.
In the midst of this crazy season, God began showing me that this was something deeper than just a random sickness or a blister. I am convinced that we have been under an onslaught of spiritual attacks. For some of you, this may sound like crazy talk. (I get it…I DID grow up Southern Baptist where we tend to be a little afraid of the “Holy Ghost.” 🙂 ) But, I’ve learned something in my few short years. The enemy is real, and he desires nothing more than to destroy you. Scripture is very clear that our battle is not against flesh and blood (what we can see and touch), but it’s “against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places [satan] (Eph. 6:12, emphasis added).
So, what are we to do? Roll over and just take it? Absolutely not! We fight! We fight with God’s armor fastened securely around us and with the “sword of the Spirit” (Bible) in our hands and planted deeply in our hearts (Eph. 6:13-18). Over the last few weeks, I’ve learned (and learning) a new way of warfare fighting. In the past, the enemy has attacked me head on with sinful habits, pride, and just plain human nature. But, this time it’s different. He’s gone after my kids to get to me (and Chris). And, you know how it is when someone goes after your kids…mama bear comes out. So, I’ve decided I’m done being the timid, nice Christian mommy who just “prays” and hopes that the enemy leaves me and my kids alone. Instead, I’m going to fight fire with fire.
I’ve always understood the great responsibility the Father has given me as a mother. But, until recently, I didn’t understand how much the enemy also has a plan for my kids. You see, when I’m loaded down with sick, complaining children, a sleepless toddler, and not enough sleep, I turn into “mean mommy.” Instead of showing compassion and mercy (which is already difficult for me), I reveal a quick temper and frustrated heart. Instead of enjoying and using the extra snuggles to vocally pray over my children, I think only of my tired body and count the hours until I can climb back in bed. When I remove my spiritual armor and refuse to take up my Sword, I’m communicating to my children that God cannot handle the things that are important to us…like rest and a healing. When push comes to shove, all they see is a frustrated mommy who gives up and into the immediate situation.
I don’t know about you, but I was made for something more. If you are in Christ, then you were made and given the power to fight victoriously!! PRAISE! We no longer have to walk around afraid to call out the enemy when we see him at work in our lives (or our kids’ lives). I’ve seen the power of God over satan. I’ve witnessed Him setting captive hearts free and redeeming people back from the pit. I’ve watched the Father take down strongholds, and I’ve seen Him do that in my life. And…I want my kids to see that too. I want to them to know that I will fight for them in prayer. I want them to know God is bigger than anything that comes in our life. I want them to see me living out of the power of the Spirit, and not just telling them nice, little Bible stories about His power. It is in these moments of seeing me be who God created me to be and unashamedly defending them against the enemy of their souls (and body) that their awe of God will (prayerfully) increase. I want them to see a mommy who doesn’t cower to the enemy’s tactics, but instead, calls out to the God who is Lord over heaven and earth. Lord, may it be so!
