"And the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard those tidings, and his anger was kindled greatly."--I Samuel 11:6 (KJV)
"And the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard those tidings, and his anger was kindled greatly."--I Samuel 11:6 (KJV)
This year, as in years passed, my family and I planted a small fruit and veggie garden. Although it was not a huge garden, I was excited at the prospect of our girls growing, and ultimately harvesting some of the things they like to eat--kale, lettuce, and strawberries. It was an extremely hot and dry summer in New Jersey, so each day the girls would faithfully water and tend to their garden.
We were able to enjoy the lettuce, and looked forward to the day the kale would be ready for harvest. So, can you imagine my horror when I found a couple of caterpillars enjoying the kale? I thought to myself, "We did not plant this kale for caterpillars!!!" I found myself angry at the little trespassers. Of course, I say this in jest, realizing that this is nature and the great outdoors. But, the point I am trying to make is that when someone (toxic person) or something (toxic thoughts) is endeavoring to take what is ours (spiritually/emotionally) there should be an internal response; a righteous indignation of sorts--This does not belong to you. This is mine and I will not relinquish it to you.
I am reminded of the biblical account of Saul and the Israelite army's defeat of Nahash and the Ammonites in I Samuel 11. The people of Jabesh-Gilead were about to surrender to Nahash, but wanted to know the terms of their surrender. Nahash tells them the terms of their surrender would be the gouging of each person's right eye and to display them as a reproach upon Israel.
Whoa! Right?
Well, the people were brought to tears at the prospect. They asked for seven days to think about it and see if anyone could help them. If they found no help, they agreed surrender and have their eyes gouged. Ultimately, Saul heard the people crying overNahash's proposition and anger ignited in him. He formulated an army of 330,000 men, divided them into three groups, and soundly defeated Nahash and the Ammonites.
What are you up against today? If you purpose not to give up, God will enable you to overcome and be victorious. You do not have to relinquish what God has given you (peace, hope, joy, expectation, etc.) As believers, we are never to surrender. When we make a decision to contend--and see it through--we have already won.
We were able to enjoy the lettuce, and looked forward to the day the kale would be ready for harvest. So, can you imagine my horror when I found a couple of caterpillars enjoying the kale? I thought to myself, "We did not plant this kale for caterpillars!!!" I found myself angry at the little trespassers. Of course, I say this in jest, realizing that this is nature and the great outdoors. But, the point I am trying to make is that when someone (toxic person) or something (toxic thoughts) is endeavoring to take what is ours (spiritually/emotionally) there should be an internal response; a righteous indignation of sorts--This does not belong to you. This is mine and I will not relinquish it to you.
I am reminded of the biblical account of Saul and the Israelite army's defeat of Nahash and the Ammonites in I Samuel 11. The people of Jabesh-Gilead were about to surrender to Nahash, but wanted to know the terms of their surrender. Nahash tells them the terms of their surrender would be the gouging of each person's right eye and to display them as a reproach upon Israel.
Whoa! Right?
Well, the people were brought to tears at the prospect. They asked for seven days to think about it and see if anyone could help them. If they found no help, they agreed surrender and have their eyes gouged. Ultimately, Saul heard the people crying overNahash's proposition and anger ignited in him. He formulated an army of 330,000 men, divided them into three groups, and soundly defeated Nahash and the Ammonites.
What are you up against today? If you purpose not to give up, God will enable you to overcome and be victorious. You do not have to relinquish what God has given you (peace, hope, joy, expectation, etc.) As believers, we are never to surrender. When we make a decision to contend--and see it through--we have already won.
