"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled." 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
There was this one certain small store that held the world's largest wall of candy. Any kind of candy one could imagine, and as a little girl I had a huge imagination. I so loved this little shop. I think my sisters would agree we had a certain kind of respect for this establishment. You see, once inside, the owner would hand each of us three girls a small brown paper bag of our own and mama and daddy would allow us to fill it with whatever candy we wanted (heaven on earth). We frequented this place every Sunday night after church service. I looked forward to this special time I got to pick and choose and change my mind and resolve to settle on just the right bag full. One that I thought would take me clear through to the next time I got to enter the doors of this sugar coated museum.
On one particular Sunday night during the preaching hour I leaned over to my mama and asked if we would be stopping by our little candy palace, for all I had was sugar plums dancing in my head. She very quickly told me to be quiet and tried to discreetly draw my attention to the front of the sanctuary. Well, I could not rest or pay attention until I got a solid answer from her so I continued my quest of pursuing my need of this knowledge, so...I ask again...a little louder. She was just as relentless and left me with these words, "I doubt it". So...I then needed to know the meaning of "I doubt it" so I continued to press.
I might share with you, that was not a good idea on my part. I soon was warned that I would be having a meeting with a familiar piece of leather when we reached home.
I. Was. Scared.
I soon learned the error of my ways. Why couldn't I be obedient and heed mama's warning from the start of our conversation? Why must I tarry on the line of disobedience when being disciplined and just be quiet? Why couldn't I rest in knowing that we would pursue our weekly ritual without having to hear it come out of my mama's mouth during the sermon time when all is hushed? Why could I not control my sense of concern over what was on our agenda and just live in the moment, being obedient to mama and ultimately to God? Why did I need to always be in the know and just trust that strongholds were for letting go of and learning to be obedient in the knowledge of Christ and the surety of my mama's words? I learned a lot on the church pew that Sunday night without hearing a word the pastor had to say.
Girls, as adults we have the security in knowing that when we fully trust in the knowledge of God He will pull down strongholds and cast down arguments without our input. Though we walk in the flesh we have Christ to fight our battles. He gives us the tools we need to be victorious when we place our trust in Him. He captures our every thought and brings it into light, reminding us of the importance of our obedience.
We must walk in His way (Ps. 128:1).
We must pursue obedience in Christ (Phil. 3:14).
We must seek wisdom to have knowledge of His ways (Prov. 22:17).
I love you & He loves you more!
Lord, Help us to seek and serve You. In a world that tries to pull us away I am so thankful for Your steadfast love and devotion to Your children. Forgive me of my disobedience. May I always be ready to give You the glory for seeing me through my human errors and bringing me to a place of security and obedience. I love You. Amen.