The Sucker Punch

You’ve seen it in the movies.  Some guy is walking along thinking life is good, but there is someone approaching from behind.  The man approaching is on a mission.  He’s angry, and he’s got tunnel vision on the guy ahead.  The other guy is blissfully unaware of this situation, and then is tapped on the shoulder.  He turns around and that’s when it happens—WAM!  He is sucker punched by the angry man and almost knocked out. 

The enemy of our souls also works in this way.  He is angry.  He wants to halt your forward progress.  Yet, so often we are blissfully unaware.  We’ve been praying; maybe we’ve been fasting.  We’ve achieved a tangible peace about something we have been seeking God over.  Then out of the blue we are tapped on the shoulder and WAM!  We are hit hard in a way that is meant to knock us out.  We are hit with news or situations that are specifically designed to send us into a tailspin….those very things that make us make us want to curl into a ball and retreat.

The problem is if we do that, then the enemy wins. 

In order to get back on our feet for the fight, it’s important to understand a few things.

1.  The reason the enemy uses the element of surprise is because it is one of his most effective strategies he can utilize to win. 

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” I John 4:4 (NIV)

When your opponent has a greater strength than you, the element of surprise becomes very powerful.  While we on our own are not stronger than the enemy, Christ in us IS more powerful. 

2.  We really shouldn’t allow ourselves to be taken by surprise by the enemy. 

“Keep your mind clear, and be alert.  Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion as he looks for someone to devour.” I Peter 5:8 (GWT)

We know that the enemy is looking for opportunities to take us out.  Simple as that.  It isn’t something to be fearful of, but it is something to be aware.  We do not need to allow ourselves to get distracted, or think that we are immune.  That sets us up as an easy target.  Think of Elijah after his huge show-down with Baal’s prophets & standing in faith for rain on the land.  It was right after that when the enemy used Jezebel to “sucker punch” him with a death threat, causing the mighty prophet of God to literally run for his life (see I Kings 18:16-I Kings 19).  I was told once by a wise leader in my life to always watch for the enemy trying to knock me out right after a spiritual high. 

 3.  We must be armed and ready for battle at all times.

“Last of all I want to remind you that your strength must come from the Lord’s mighty power within you.  Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand safe against all strategies and tricks of Satan.  For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against persons without bodies—the evil rulers of the unseen world, those mighty satanic beings and great evil princes of darkness who rule this world; and against huge numbers of wicked spirits in the spirit world.
 So use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy whenever he attacks, and when it is all over you will still be standing up.
 But to do this, you will need the strong belt of truth and the breastplate of God’s approval.  Wear shoes that are able to speed you on as you preach the Good News of peace with God.  In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan.  And you will need the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the Word of God.”  Ephesians 6:10-17 (TLB)

When we are armed and ready for battle, when we are vigilant and watchful of the enemy’s tactics, we are able to lessen the impact of his attempt to take us by surprise. 

But what if you in a moment forget to be watchful?  

Know that the immediate punch still hurts.  That is what it is designed to do.  It is also designed to make you react rashly instead of respond responsibly.  In that moment, you must often do the things that are counter-intuitive.  First, know that it is okay to tell God that you don’t understand what is happening and why.  But use that to then respond with your full trust in His faithfulness and provision.  The enemy may have taken you by surprise, but God is all-knowing.  He knew about the moment long ago, and has orchestrated the steps to turn it into something that will somehow work for your good (see Romans 8:28) and for His glory.  

Here are a few immediate steps to help get you back on your feet and moving forward again.

1.       Ask God for comfort as well as direction. 

2.       Seek immediate prayer from trusted friends and leaders. 

3.       Act opposite of what your “flesh” tells you. 

If your response is to want to withdraw and cease making an impact, immediately reach out and do something that has Kingdom impact.  The purpose of the punch was to prevent you from something.  By getting back up and continuing forward on the path God leads you, it immediately negates many of the effects of the attack. 

“Pray all the time.  Ask God for anything in line with the Holy Spirit’s wishes.  Plead with him, reminding him of your needs, and keep praying earnestly for all Christians everywhere.” Ephesians 6:18 (TLB)

Fight the good fight, my friends.

The Proverbs 31 Woman (yes, her!)- Day 6: What we give, What we get

When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” (‭Proverbs‬ ‭31‬:‭26-29‬ NLT)
On this day 6 of 7, I hope that we are all beginning to see a pattern in our study. Several themes are repeated over & over again with respect to the characteristics of our Proverbs 31 woman. Our lady has tabs on her household and she's not a slouch.  If you need a refresher on these topics see day 2, day 3 (Superwoman), & day 5 (Peace, Love, & Clothing). The main point to remember is this: it all comes down to our hearts. 

So far we have learned a lot about what this woman does, but we only have a few glimpses into her personality....how she really treats those around her while she's out "being amazing."   We know that she is intelligent, capable, and that she comforts and encourages her husband.  This passage fleshes out another couple of details for us.  

First, she is wise.  Wisdom is different than intelligence.  Intelligence is obtaining and using knowledge.  Knowledge is simply facts, information, and familiarity.  Wisdom is able to appropriately apply that knowledge in the best way to make good decisions.  In order to speak wisely, we must consider the content, the motive, and the timing of our words.  You may be thinking "that's a lot to think about before I speak."  True.  Chances are our Proverbs 31 woman isn't speaking off-hand or flippantly.  (Ouch)

Also, she "gives instructions with kindness."  How many times are we demanding, nagging, or otherwise negative when we are instructing or making requests of those we love?  Tone says a lot, and it all comes from our hearts.  Remember, we must take care to take care of ourselves. (See day 5.)  When we spend daily time with God, our heart is full of Him and His presence.  We are able to respond from a full heart.  When we neglect the recharging and refilling of our hearts, our responses become harsh, bitter, and biting.  

Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. (Luke 6:44-45 NIV)
Beth Moore has an AMAZING teaching on this called the Law of Kindness that you owe it to yourself to check out!  It's a 3 part series, and each segment is roughly 18 minutes each.  I can't stress it enough--Watch these!  No really.....seriously.  Take the time today.  (Have I made my point?)

The Law of Kindness- Beth Moore, Part 1
The Law of Kindness- Beth Moore, Part 2
The Law of Kindness- Beth Moore, Part 3

What are the results of our Proverbs 31 woman pouring her heart and soul into her family?  It's very simple.  Her husband and children feel loved, cared for, and respected, so the natural outpouring is that they speak highly of her.  She is honored. 

Is there any greater compliment that we would want to receive than being honored by those dearest to our hearts?