Get Behind Me!

Good morning reader friends! I felt as though I hadn't written anything of substance for a while so here goes!

I have been attending a Bible study with women who are on campus or have previously been on campus. This past week, someone told me they hadn't seen anyone get through seminary without a car breaking down (in a disastrous way), someone close to them dying, or serious financial woes. My first thought was, "Get me out of here!" But in all honesty, why do seminary families have so many troubles? I can tell you why, Satan is an attacker. An evil being who does not want any human growing in their faith in his nemesis.

I remember a few things happening before we even moved that made me think that Satan was attacking us. He was doing everything in his power to make us stay where we were and lose faith in our Lord. But he didn't win, we're here. He's still attacking us though. Luke's job hasn't started yet...every time he calls they tell him they aren't ready for him yet. My job on campus has slim chances of becoming real. And my attitude lately? It's real bad. I have really been struggling with the job issue. I'm almost embarrassed to tell people that I work as a server at Olive Garden. Not because I don't like my job - I do enjoy it and I'm thankful for it. But because it's been so hard to go from a career with a steady, good paycheck...to depending on tips to pay the bills and working every day from 11am to 10pm. I tend to feel like a failure...like I had everything I needed (house, career) and gave it up to be a waitress and live in a tiny apartment. I'm NOT a failure and I'm trying really hard to not let those thoughts enter my mind anymore. Satan is thriving on my negativity. He's the one lurking over my shoulder saying, "You gave up everything for this?" "You had it all and now you're here?"

A dear friend pointed out a verse to me in the Bible study the other night that has really stuck with me. It's in 2 Thessalonians (verse 8) and it says, "And then the lawless one (Satan) will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming." Now this is talking about the end times when Jesus comes back. But do you pick up on that? Satan is brought to nothing merely by the presence and breath of my Lord. My Lord who lives inside of me and walks by my side every day. Satan can try all he likes, but as long as I'm depending on Jesus, he won't get to me. I have a Protector who cannot be shaken or scared. I'm sure Jesus looks down on all of us here at seminary and chuckles at Satan. I know He's saying, "You think you can get them? They're mine, all mine Satan so back off." Or at least, that's what I picture anyway!

So all I have to say is, HA Satan! I am a strong person, a strong Christian. I have decided to take things one day at a time and not worry about things in the future. I won't let Satan get to me - with the negative thoughts and bad attitude. I'm better than that. And I have Jesus, which makes this situation a whole lot easier. Tell Satan to get behind you and let Jesus take control. :)