I have been thinking a lot about what direction I want my blog to take. I have been reading several blogs, taking note of content and the character of the writer. I've seen funny blogs, blogs about being a mom, homeschooling, cooking blogs, blogs focused on sharing the Gospel of Christ, and many, many more. I have finally decided on my purpose in this new found world of blogging.
I am going to stay true to myself! I will share recipes, funny family stories, stories about being a mom and homeschooling. BUT, my heart is in sharing my faith with others. And not just the Gospel, but how I have grown in my faith, the things I have learned about God and the passion I have for teaching my children about who God is, and how much he loves them.
Which brings me to a story I feel led to tell. This occurred at the dinner table last night and has been on my mind since then.
It involves this handsome guy.
Dinner was on the table, hands were washed, bellies were hungry, and hands were folded for prayer. After the food was blessed, I took a bite of the steaming hot chicken enchiladas my belly was growling for. I had spent the morning doing the prep work, so that it would be easy to get in the oven when it was time.
There I was, having taken that first bite and I see the cutie above, start to cloud up and rain. Before I could ask what was wrong, the rain turned into a storm! I was flabergasted! I had made a meal he LOVES, and he sat there crying his eyes out. I'm not sure what I expected him to say, when I asked what was wrong. However, I can assure you that I did NOT expect the answer he gave.
He had seen a movie recently, with daddy, his brother, and sister. Apparently, a part in the movie where someone's arm was twisted, had really gotten to him. It was a kid's movie. No one else knew what part of the movie he was talking about, but he was upset over it.
Very upset.
He sat and sobbed, while I tried to figure out what to do about it.
I told him that Satan brings things to our mind sometimes, to bother us. Then I reminded him that God is bigger, he's more powerful, because he is. . .well. . .GOD! There is no greater authority. He nodded his head, tears streaming down his face, as I picked up my fork to dig in.
And then I heard it. That still small voice, speaking to my heart, saying, if you don't go and pray with him, you will regret it.
I will admit, for a split second, I wanted to ignore it. But I could not do it.
I pushed my chair back from the table, and told him to come with me, to my bedroom. We sat down on the bed, and I pulled him into my lap, and looked him right in the eyes. I told him that the Bible says that if we resist the devil, he will flee from us.
James 4:6-7
6But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
7Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
I talked to him about how the devil wants us to think about bad things, things that bother us, and cause us to forget about God and how powerful he is. I also told him that mommy has told the devil to "get away" many times. I told him that sometimes I even say it out loud and quote the scripture that says he will flee.
I prayed with him and encouraged him to pray also, but he was afraid of everyone else hearing him and did not want to. SO, we went into the closet. And my little guy told the devil, in a very loud voice, to get away from him, and leave him alone because he was resisting him. Then he prayed, and asked God to help him think of good things, to keep his mind clean, and to help him remember that God is always there.
Then, he went to the table, and ate his dinner with a smile on his face.
I almost missed an opportunity to teach my son about the power of God in our lives. I pray that I never do that again, that I never hesitate to pray with my children over anything and everything.
I was an adult, and had been saved for 13 years, before I realized the power of the Holy spirit in my life. Through countless hours of Bible study, I came to understand that God's power can and WILL send the devil packin', if I but call on the name of the Most High God.
Ephesians 6:12-17 states:
12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Pray the word of God and Satan WILL FLEE!
God's power. . .
spoke the world into existence
parted the red sea
crumbled the wall of Jericho
felled a giant with a sling and a stone
stopped the mouths of the lions
stopped the fire in the firey furnace
made the blind man see
made the lame man walk
raised Lazarus from the dead
turned the water into wine
calmed the storm
fed the 5 thousand
. . .and this is just to name a few.
My prayer is that I NEVER forget the power of God in my life. I vow to teach my children of God's power, to pray with them, and teach them what the Bible says about God. By the Holy spirit working through me, my children will grow up knowing who God is, seeing his power revealed in their life, and understanding the nature of God's love for mankind.
Jeremiah 32:17-18
17Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:
18Thou shewest lovingkindness unto thousands, and recompensest the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them: the Great, the Mighty God, the LORD of hosts, is his name,
P.S. I would love for you to share your thoughts on this, with me, in the comment section. If you scroll down to where is says "Comments", you can click and let me know what you think!
blessedwith3
7 comments:
Sandy,
What a powerful message. I cried as I read your blog this evening. How many times do we put off talking with our children for a more "convenient" time. I am glad you took that time. These memories will become important markers in the lives of your children. Keep on keeping on!
westover girl, thank you so much for your comment and the encouragement!
sandi, I am so amazed, over and over , how the Power of the Holy Spirit can work so greatly through us if we let it--what a blessing to your son to have you listen and follow so closely.
amen and amen.
I think this is such a great story Sandi! Poor little guy, so upset. It's great that he has parents who want him to grow to be a Godly man. You did the right thing and I know he will be so much more at peace.
I enjoy reading your blog! We have Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover book but I'm ashamed to say that we kind of fell off the band wagon after reading it. We are now implementing some of the principles in the book. The only thing we aren't actively doing is saving up for the emergency fund. My parents would be our emergency fund right now...LOL! JK, I know we should save up for one I just never remember to put money towards that. We are using the envelope system and it seems to be working very well.
This morning in Sunday school we are studying about 5 things God uses to grow our faith. This week it spoke about providential relationships and one of the questions asked us to think of people who we believe God put in our lives to help grow our faith and maturity. You and your husband came up from both Waylon and I as a couple who we look up to as role models for a Godly marriage. Thank you for being such a great example to us back when we were in the college and career class at Rodgers, before we even knew we would end up being married! Then in Waylon's life as he was an intern at your church. You two have been a blessing in our lives and I just wanted to let you know that we still think of you guys! Looking forward to the anniversary of your church next month!
Bless you sister. I to find myself pushing the chance to teach my boys a lesson for more convenient times.
this is a wake up call for me to take the time and teach. After all this is why God gave them to me.
Again. I thank you for a beautiful post.
Sandi, that was beautiful!
I've been in situations just like that and tried to talk to the boys but never managing just right. And I've been in situations that I unfortuantely let pass without talking about it.
You have given me hope that all is not lost, and the inspiration to try harder the next time.
Thanks!
Sandi - Amen!!! Beautiful post! I cried as I read it, when your boy was praying in the closet. My hope is to mother my children the same way.
Post a Comment