Back to our childhood--which, for some of us, is a VERY long time ago! Remember the games--indoors and outdoors--you loved to play? There were the circle games, the brainteasers, the sack races, the board games, the ball games...and don't forget jump rope, jax, and just about any other game we could juggle between our books and our bats. Kid games are wonderful...but hold on...
There's someone else who likes to play games with GOD'S Kids....He'll try the circle game (and run you around in circles!); the brainteaser game (and wear you down with fear, frustration and failure!); the sack race (and hop you around the humps in the handicaps of life!). He's a whiz at restricting the race and reinventing the rules of God. AND...
He's got a favorite game he loves to play with us all--it's called GOTCHA!--and he's out to win this one. It's the game of discouragement; he is a master player and the moves he makes are greater than the greatest chess player you know. He'll move in madness to capture your mind, thoughts, heart and spirit and keep you down, on the defensive as long as he can.....IF you let him!
Ever been there/done that? Are you there now? Well, I have an offensive counter-attack game plan for you, sent me by a dear friend in Saskatchewan, Canada, written while playing her own "GOTCHA" game with the clever guy from ground zero...a dastardly "dungeons 'n dragons" play, for sure...but watch who wins! May the Lord use it to minister to you today (and thanks, Arlene!):
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"The Gap"
The mountaintop eluded me tho' I tried to scale its height;
The dragon, dressed in battle gear had marked me for a fight.
The weapons of war he handpicked for me; the beast took aim at my heart
And fixed his view on what he knew could lay my life apart.
Mine wasn't the time to think, pause or stoop, re-group, determine the loss;
With each crack of his whip, I strengthened my grip and clung to the old rugged Cross.
His cannon fired "discouragement," determined to maim and bruise
But I held my ground with angels around and the Name of Jesus to use!
Stress and Fatigue shouted I was alone (How clever, his wave of attack!)
But the dragon retreats and knows he is beat
When God's family stands by me--
In the Gap! |
Know someone who is discouraged today--not counting yourself?? Stand in the gap, in the full armor of God, for that believer friend! Send a note of cheer, a verse of Scripture, an email of encouragement--and watch what happens. You too will be strengthened, you too will be uplifted, you too will be the winner God made you to be--and remember, Someone is standing in the gap for us all! "GOTCHA?? No way, old opponent! God "gotcha" long ago on the Cross--you've lost the game--and, in Jesus' Name, you're not about to get ME!" Say it, shout it, believe it--and have a great day!
Delight in a Word from the Well--a refreshing in the Water of His Word
Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Armor of God
Draw from the Well--a prayer for renewing strength for this day
"Lord, I'm in a desperate GOTCHA game and need Your help. Clothe me with Your Almighty armor as I fight the foe and run the race. You beat him at the Cross, and I claim that victory today--as I stand in the gap for myself and for those You have laid on my heart--we WIN the race, by Your Blood and in Your Name, Amen."
Copyright 2000 by Peggie Bohanon, Springfield, MO. All rights reserved.
Not to be copied without permission.
