When former batttles return...

Some mornings as soon as you wake up, you realize... you feel beat up. You begin to recall the events from the day before-the news you received that knocked the wind out of you; you're depleted and weary and you just got out of bed! A former situation you thought was resolved has returned...just thinking about it floods you with exhaustion. You didn't see it coming-out of no where it side swiped you. When it hit, you immediately took it to Jesus, but you're feeling more drained than you believe you should be. Listen closely, former battles are more exhausting than new ones because former battles bring the recall of weariness with them-triggering all the emotions that you had to fight through. Intellectually and spiritually you know Jesus walked you through the former battle, but the recall of emotions begin to flood your mind and press on your chest. Be cognizant of the former emotions flooding you or the enemy will pull you into his slippery pit and trap you. Discouragement and anger will try and talk you into giving up-which is exactly what the enemy wants you to do. It's critical you see what you're up against through Jesus' ability. Your vision is obscured because you see through your former emotions of fatigue, hurt, aggravation and anger. Acknowledge what you're feeling then give these emotions to Jesus. Emotions left unattended will deplete you-Jesus knows the recall itself is tiring for you. But you've got to remember just as Jesus walked you through before...He will walk you through now. You will be tempted to say you won't deal with it, but then you subject yourself to it-putting yourself at the mercy of the battle verses at the grace of Jesus. Stand on God's promises-Jesus' grace is all you need; His power works best in your weakness. Acknowledge your weaknesses so the power of Christ can work through you. Get focused, get a grip, get back up and get your eyes on Jesus; the battle's won, it's done...it's over-Jesus took it all! Let this truth encourage you when you feel like you can't go through the same situation again. Rely on Jesus, He's your Helper, Strong Tower, Deliverer, Rock, Refuge, Strength, Shield, Salvation and Stronghold-everything you need to get through this battle again (Ps 18:2). If God's for you-who can be against you(Rom 8:31)? Let your faith rest not on human wisdom...but on God's power (1 Cor 2:5)! God will lift you out of this slimy pit, mud and mire-giving you a firm place to stand (Ps 40:2). With God's help you can advance against a troop and scale a wall (Ps 18:29). When former battles return, expect God to get you through... His grace and peace is with you (Eph 1:2)!  7/4/13CIFL-LMM