Sep. 11, 2008 - Thankful Thursday and Terrorist Attacks
To share what I am thankful for this week, I must tell you a bit of a story.
When I worked at the hospital several years ago, I met a wonderful Christian gal named Judy. I always called Judy my kindred spirit. It was a very special friendship because each time we talked to each other, there was something encouraging shared. Our talks always led to discussing the Lord.
While I was pregnant with my dd, Judy was taking fertility treatments and ended up expecting triplets. She went into labor at 26 weeks. Unfortunately, two babies died very shortly after birth. Zachary died the Sunday before Thanksgiving. It was heartbreaking.
When I was grieving over my miscarriage from the year before, I needed to talk my way through it. Judy needed to grieve privately.
We ended up losing contact because at the time Judy gave birth, I was a SAHM and didn't see Judy at the hospital every day. It has been over 11 years since I've seen her.
Just within the past six months, I asked the Lord (again) to make a way for me to find Judy. I dearly miss her. I even used the internet, trying to find her, all to no avail.
I joined a new small group at church last night. As we went around the table introducing ourselves, I heard a lady say her name was Betty C***. She is Judy's mother-in-law! I finally have a way to get in touch with my precious friend again! I was overwhelmed with emotions when I got home from church -- so much so that I began to weep at the goodness of the Lord.
So this week, I am thankful God made a way for me to reconnect with my dear friend Judy. 
For those of you who have been praying for something years, don't give up!
In honor of 9/11, I decided to go with this devotion:
Terrorist Attacks
When we hear the term 'terrorists,' most of us will think back to the terrifying events of September 11, 2001. We weren't doing anything to warrant such a vicious and unexpected attack, and it became very clear in the days following the attack that it was a very strategic one. It was carefully planned to have the utmost impact.
I remember discussing the idea of starting this Internet ministry with a dear friend. I was wanting her thoughts and any wisdom she had to share. Her husband quickly mentioned that I should be on guard against attacks of the enemy. After much prayer and input from other close confidantes, I launched this ministry and was amazed at how fast it took off and began to flourish. I kept watching for an attack, yet none seemed to be coming. Finally, I became lax about being watchful for the enemy's attacks. Satan caught my laxness and launched a vicious attack against me and my family. A spiritual terrorist had invaded my home, and I was completely unprepared for the war in which I found myself fighting.
It started slowly -- we discovered those nasty carpenter ants had invaded our home. Shortly after we began treating that, a tornado went directly over our home. Thankfully, it didn't touch down until it has passed over us. I breathed a sigh of relief and my heart was turned to praising God over and over for His watchful care and protection.
Suddenly, within a period of about three weeks, Rachel developed a chronic cough that not only was untreatable with codeine, but we discovered after two sleepless nights that codeine was a stimulant to her system, rather than a suppressant. My husband has faced a myriad of problems with his job -- nothing really big, but rather, those little things that tend to nag at you, destroying your sense of peace and order. Nevertheless, it's been quite trying for all of us. Then the car had some major repairs. When I went to pick up the car, it never even made it home! Thus, more costly repairs followed the very next day.
The 'straw that broke the camel's back' for me was Mother's Day weekend. That is a very emotional weekend for me, being that I miscarried my first baby only a few weeks before Mother's Day. Even with as thankful as I am to have Rachel, there will always be the memory of my first Mother's Day, spent with a heart that was grieving, dreams that had been shattered. This same weekend, Dean made some critical comments to me that really wounded me. I was an emotional wreck anyway (but he didn't realize that), and then when adding to my fragile state-of-mind that words of affirmation is my primary love language, you can understand why his words were so hurtful. Anyone who thrives on words of affirmation is crushed when someone is critical of them. Any criticisms must be spoken gently, and with much love. Instead of having an enjoyable weekend, I spent the entire day crying.
Not realizing that a spiritual terrorist attack was underway, I began to listen to the lies of the enemy. I'm sure that many of you have heard these kinds of lies coming from Satan:
--You have no business teaching other women when it's obvious your husband isn't happy with the way you are taking care of things here.
-- And to think that you were thinking of yourself as one who is becoming a Proverbs 31 lady! You're not even close!
-- Who are you to teach others about submission when your husband thinks you do a terrible job in that area?
-- You do a poor job of showing biblical love to your family, yet you think you have something to do teach others! Get real -- you can't do ANYTHING right!
-- You are a terrible housekeeper, a terrible mother, a terrible wife, a terrible Christian! Who are trying to kid?
In actuality, my husband's words had absolutely nothing to do with being loving, submissive, caring, or with the ministry to which God has called me. His words had nothing do with the kind of wife and mother I am. Satan had taken one little hurtful comment from my husband and twisted it to unleash an awful terrorist attack upon my thinking.
Thankfully, the Lord spoke to me and asked me what I knew about my husband's character. Here are some of the things He asked me:
-- Is he usually a cruel man?
-- Is he rude to me or others?
-- Did he have a habit of belittling me or others?
-- Would he ever purposely say something that he knew would deeply hurt me?
-- If he knew that I was grieving over the miscarriage, would he have spoken something that could have hurt me so badly?
The answer to all of these questions was 'NO!'
Next, the Lord gently reminded me that I had recently mailed out the devotions about how He'd set me free from a violent temper. He reminded me of the many responses I received after writing about my own struggles. Suddenly, I realized that without even knowing what I was doing, I had launched a terrorist attack on the forces of hell, and now they were fighting back. It became crystal clear to me why on Mother's Day weekend my husband spoke something that hurt me so badly. Satan saw my frame of mind, and he used my husband's words to try to get me to give up on everything. What better way to attack a woman whose desire is to be a virtuous, godly, submissive, loving, and respectful wife? What better way than to attack a stay-at-home mom -- attack her in a way that makes her feel that she can't do anything right, and that even her own husband doesn't appreciate her!
Stay-at-home moms expect that the world won't value or appreciate them for the sacrifices they make, or for the job they do in raising up a godly generation. What we don't expect is to hear criticisms (valid or not) from our husband!
The Lord had given me a clear picture of Satan's terrorist attack against me. (II Cor. 2:11) Now it was my turn to stand against those schemes. (Eph. 6:11) I quickly went to Psalm 91 and declared every promise there for my household. I began to pray more strategic prayers, using missiles filled with the blood of Jesus to stop the scud missiles of spiritual darkness in the heavenly realms. (Eph. 6:12) I began to mentally put on the armor of God (Eph. 6:13), being especially mindful of the helmet of salvation to protect my thinking -- making sure that my thoughts lined up to the truth, and not thinking upon those things which came from the Father of Lies. (Jn. 8:44)
I wish that I could tell you that this terrorist attack from Satan was over. Unfortunately, we are still dealing with attacks, even in a physical sense. Rachel had a pinched nerve in her neck just last week, not to mention several stomachaches. I have been hit physically in a couple of ways recently. The onslaught does continue, but I'm using my greatest weapons -- prayer, quoting the Word, and fighting back through the power and authority I've been given through Jesus Christ.
So, here's a breakdown of how to handle it when we are hit with a terrorist attack:
1. Don't ever quit being on guard against the enemy for yourself, or for your family.
2. Realize that Mother's Day is a great weekend for Satan to attack you. Satan doesn't want you to realize the impact you have on your children and your husband! If you have times of the year that are exceptionally emotional times for you, warn your family ahead of time that you may be especially emotional. Ask them to try to be mindful of your raw emotions, and to grant some extra grace to you during those times.
3. When something happens between you and your husband, don't listen to all of that twisted conversation that comes directly from Satan. Rather, repeat to yourself what you know to be true about your husband.
4. Speak the Word over yourself and your family on a consistent basis. It will help to alleviate those terrorist attacks, and the attacks that do still come will be lessened if you are filled up with the Word of God.
5. Talk to a trusted friend who can help pray you through. Keep in mind - I'm not talking about calling her up and 'husband bashing.' I'm talking about mentioning some of the concerns you have, listening for some insights from her, and agreeing in prayer together.
6. Ask God what He is trying to teach you when you go through spiritual attacks and trials. This pleases God to know that you aren't so consumed with your problems that you can't keep looking for Him to show you some awesome lessons. Then, wait in expectation to see how He answers you! I can personally testify to being in total awe of some of the things God has shown me when I have asked Him what He's trying to teach me. In fact, this message was born out of that kind of prayer.
Sister, are you dressed for war?
© 2004, Stacy R Miller
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Comments
Sep. 10, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
I've never thought to ask the Lord what HE is trying to teach me during diffucult times. Thanks for a great post Stacey. I enjoyed my visit here. Your post is very inspiring for me today. God Bless~
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Sep. 10, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Rocks
Thank you for sharing that wonderful story. God is so good!
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Sep. 10, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
http://raindropsrainbows.blogspot.com/
What a blessing for God to answer your prayer so you can be in touch with Judy! That is such a wonderful answer to prayer.
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Sep. 10, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Lynn
Wow, Stacy, I wanted to cry when I read this about your friend Judy... Oh, what a great post. What ever you are praying for don't ever give up... Oh, Amen. Thank you
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Sep. 10, 2008 - http://myblog2002.blogspot.com
Posted by Pia
stacy, you have no idea how your post touched my heart. this is the very thing i was asking God for. He is speaking to my heart through you. stacy, thank you very much! those words you said "For those of you who have been praying for something years, don't give up!" that meant a lot to me because i am one of "those".
God bless you, stacy. i am truly happy for you to have found judy again. (((HUGS)))
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Sep. 11, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by http://shortybearsplace.blogspot.com/
Thanks for sharing sweetie.
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Sep. 11, 2008 - spiritual warfare
Posted by http://www.inthemidstofthisseason.blogspot.com/
Wow, Stacy. You are gifted in teaching for sure. This post was powerful and I'm glad to have read it. And as an adoptive mother of four, my heart immediately connected with you regarding the loss of your unborn child. I know the sadness of Mother's Days that passed with empty arms. I'm always touched by those who can share such a personal pain with others, as there are sooo many women (couples) who are walking through that same hurt right now.
Blessings,
~Toni~
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Sep. 11, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by http://serendipitypark.blogspot.com
So glad you got reconnected with your long lost friend! God certainly answers our prayers!
Thank you for sharing the touching story.
Happy TT and God bless!
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Sep. 11, 2008 - http://mykissesfromheaven.blogspot.com/
Posted by Anonymous
Thanks for sharing! Awesome story. Great encouragement to not give up! Blessings on your day. Mary
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Sep. 11, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by genny
Hello its nice to know you and thank you for sharing your thankful heart.
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Sep. 11, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
Stacy, I love this post for Thankful Thursday. I am so excited for you that the Lord brought your friend back into your life. I'll pray you can make contact with her soon!
Happy Thankful Thursday!
Melanie
http://thefruitsofthespirit.blogspot.com
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Sep. 11, 2008 - Thankful Thursday
Posted by Iris
How wonderful that you were able to get the information via the Bible study to reach your friend. Isn't God awesome?
Yes, we do have to be ready for spiritual attacks...the enemy does not like when we follow God's will for our lives.
Thank you so much for sharing your grateful heart with us this week.
Be blessed today and always...
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Sep. 11, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Mariella1214
September 11 and the souls lost that day should not and will not ever be forgotten. We will never stop fighting. Thanks for the lovely post. :)
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