A Refined Outlook

The past week, I have embarked on a journey through a valley of pressing emotions and spiritual attacks.

Fear came to visit me the day I went to the Doctor's office and found that my hearing problem is either fluid build-up in my inner ear (93% chance), or a benign tumor pinching a nerve (7% chance). While I am waiting for the MRI, I have scheduled on 1/7/2009, I have been blessed to notice that my medicine is working and that things are looking into the 93%, but here is where I am at:

I am still approached by Fear and have been severely tempted to think negative thoughts. Comfort and Joy through the Holy Spirit have been my weapons. Though I have shown improvement to what some may call a small ordeal, I have had some time with God in this little storm that popped up out of nowhere. When I think of things like this, and God seems quiet, I think back to when Paul came down with a sickness. God told him that His grace is sufficient. I felt this echo in my heart...and fell silent before Him. Though things are likely to turn out in my favor, it's been a bold wake-up call.

My perspective on life has been amplified exponentially. Family time has been more precious than it ever has before. Reminding myself where the strength of my faith stands has had to occur several times. Recalling the Shield of Faith from Ephesians 6, I don't believe that our Shield of Faith would ever succumb to the fiery darts of the enemy. No, instead, we become weak in holding our Shield up. Maybe it's been a few days since you have had any time with God. Picture each missed day correlating to your arm's strength becoming weaker...and weaker. Before you know it, you let your Shield down...and you are hit.

~Aren't you glad you have a God that is always with you?~

No matter the battle or storm you are currently in. Remember that one thing stands after all the smoke has cleared...Christ and His Word, who has given us the victory and authority!