The Battle of Attrition

/ Gail Johnson

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us (Romans 8:37 KJV).

The word attrition means the act of wearing away or the state of being worn away, as by friction; constant wearing down to weaken or destroy (often in the phrase war of attrition) attrition. Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/attrition (accessed: March 24, 2015).

Sword of the Spirit Gail Johnson

Sword of the Spirit
Gail Johnson

Attrition will do two things. Either it will work for, or against you. In the case of the oyster, the constant rubbing of an irritant inside the shell eventually produces a pearl. On the other hand, the constant dripping of water wears away the hardest stone.   The difference is the oyster (active) produces something, while the stone (passive) eventually wears away.   The lesson? The longer the battle, the longer and harder we must fight.

The Weapon of Fear

When facing battles, we are often confronted with fear. The fear that we are unable to win. The fear that God doesn’t hear us. Fear of the unknown. Fear of the darkened places. But God did not give us a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7 KJV).

The Greek word for power in 2 Timothy is where we get our word for dynamite, mighty, strength, a miracle itself. (Strong’s Concordance) We have the power through the blood of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit to conquer fear. If not conquered, fear can make us forget what God has already done.

And the longer we fight, the weaker our resistance becomes, and fear soon gives way to acquiescence. Acquiescence is acceptance without protest. Our struggles, whether spiritual, physical, financial or emotional become the norm. We define ourselves by what we are going through and not what the Word says about us.

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us (Romans 8:37 KJV).

Conquerors: to vanquish beyond; gain a decisive victory. (Strong’s Concordance) Never give up! Wherever we are, God is there.

The psalmist wrote: If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me (Psalms 139:8-10 KJV).

God is with us! Keep fighting no matter how hard the battle. Be on guard for signs of surrender.

Warning Signs

When we don’t oppose, we settle. We circle the wagons and withdraw. Nothing gets in or out. We separate from fellow-believers. We become more vulnerable to attacks. Soon we become depressed and easily provoked. We become testy in waiting. Our tempers flare hot. We become the product of our circumstances.

Ever been there?

I have. Hindsight is 20-20.

The Solution

Remember His promises. …for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee (Hebrews 13:5 KJV).

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord (Psalms 37:23 KJV).

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things (Philippians 4:8 KJV).

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1KJV).

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known (1 Corinthians 13:12 KJV).

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33 KJV).

Prayer

Lord, I pray for strength for the weary, health for the sick, salvation for the lost, and freedom for the captive. I know You hear the cries of Your people. Your eyes run to and fro throughout the earth. There is nothing hidden from Thee. Nothing is too hard for Thee. When hearts are overwhelmed, lead us to the Rock. Teach us to rejoice in the midst of our troubles. Help us recall Your past blessings. Remind us that You are omnipresent and there is nothing that can happen to us that doesn’t pass through Your hands. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

A Tree of Life

/ Gail Johnson

Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life (Proverbs 13:12 KJV).

If you haven’t observed nature this week, you’ve missed a miraculous event. The difference a day makes is amazing as bare trees transform into colorful blossoming beauties.

Dogwood~Gail Johnson

Dogwood~Gail Johnson

We live in a transient world. Things are constantly changing around us. Through time and change, we quickly learn not to rest our hopes on the world around us as we watch marriages fail, finances fail, peace treaties fail, and dreams fail.

If not careful, we begin judging everything based upon these changes. We lose hope. “Hope deferred makes the heart sick,” said the wise man.

Yet, in this ever-changing society in which we live, there is a constant—a solid Rock—a veritable Refuge—an unmovable, unshakable foundation—an Anchor. And no matter where we are today, He is there with us. Whether it is a sea of affliction, a financial wilderness, or a valley of suffering the Lord is with us. He knows what is best because He has searched us and known us. He has placed us exactly where we need to be at this moment in time.

Oh, dear friend, if you are struggling, if you’re sad and hurting, let me assure you, God is on your side. He hasn’t forsaken nor forgotten you. You are His treasured possession. You are in His hands. All else may fail but He will never fail you. He has promised to deliver you.

Just as a bare tree will bloom in springtime, hope will spring forth once more bringing new life. “But when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.” Every winter must have a spring. So keep your eyes upon the Lord and remember He sees our needs and hears our prayers.

Reflection

What are you going through at this time? How is God helping you? I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment here or you can find me on Facebook here. Send me a friend request.

 

 

 

 

 

Can You Praise Me, Now?

/ Gail Johnson / 2 Comments

For I am the LORD, I change not (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

 

Praise, like water cascading over a mountainside, spews forth in times of prosperity and victory. Yet, it is the disciplined mind focused amid conflict, disruption, and affliction that is able to sing the praises of Him Who has called us out of darkness and into His marvelous light. This distinction separates the seasoned from the novice.

It is a lesson not easily learned. But, once learned the benefits are unforgettable.

Paul and Silas knew the secret. They sang at midnight while in prison! Although the enemy had disrupted their lives, he had not stolen their peace!

 

True Story

In 2004, I had a physical problem that just wouldn’t go away. No one knew exactly what it was. Poison Ivy? Poison Sumac? Poison Oak? Whatever it was nothing worked on it!
It consumed my every thought.
Nothing I tried helped. And believe me, I tried several remedies. I went so far as to try a home remedy. No. Vinegar didn’t work. Yes, I smelled like pickles.

It seemed like the more I prayed the worse it became.

Now, we all know a battle easily won is not always remembered. But a battle of attrition will eventually bring you to the end of yourself. And guess what. That’s where you’ll find God waiting.

In my affliction, God was teaching me something—and giving me something.
While lying on the floor, begging for relief, I heard a still small voice. “Can you praise Me now?”

At that point, I was willing to try anything! I began to praise Him while still on the floor. Then something arose inside of me as memories of His faithfulness rolled through my mind. No longer was I focused on my problems, but on the One Who could change my circumstance.

The itching and the pain eased. It wasn’t too long after that every sign was gone.

From that experience came healing and the song ” He Is Still God.”

 

Reflection

If you’re in the midst of a struggle and nothing has helped, try giving God praise. Recall what He has done. Then declare:

As His child, God directs my steps.
He orders my life.
I will yield to His hands.
I will claim His Word.
I will cling and declare His promises.
I will stand believing.
He will deliver me!
I will not accept defeat!
I will think on His past faithfulness.
For by His grace, I will finish this race victoriously!

Press On!