Day Eleven
Watchful - Cautious
Proverbs 31:18...She tastes and sees that her gain from work [with and for God] is good; her lamp goes not out, but it burns on continually through the night [of trouble, privation, or sorrow, warning away fear, doubt and distrust]...
...her lamp goes not out, but burns on continually through the night...What is our night or challenge? Is it finances, sickness, relationships, problems on the job, family troubles or stresses in the home? Could it be challenges with the children, unmet bills or loneliness? Maybe it is the battle of being obedient to God's will, when our will wants to go it's own way.
And what of our emotions during this time? Do we grant them full reign, giving into outbursts of anger, pouting or self-pity? Do we walk in fear, dread or anxiety? Are we quick to speak out rashly in the heat of the moment? Do the problems hit us between the eyes and make us fall or waiver in our walk with God?
I Peter 4:2 says...Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you...(New International Version). 1 Peter goes on to say in Chapter 5...for that enemy of yours, the devil roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour...(1 Peter 5:8b). Painful trials? A devouring enemy? And if that isn't enough, some days it feels like we are caught in a pressure cooker and there seems no way out! Our first response, so often, is to be overwhelmed by what is coming against us and react or respond out of that emotion. Or we turn to counseling, meet a friend and talk it all out over coffee, take medication to escape the strain, fall into depression, or give into any number of escapes.
ACTION! Action is required! Ephesians 6:11-18...
Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and deceits of the devil.
For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents, but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.
Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].
Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and moral rectitude and right standing with God,
And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] the Gospel of peace.
Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one].
And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God.
Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people).
Yes, action is required on our part. Faith is required; believing that God has made provision for us is required; understanding the sacrifice that Jesus made for us is required; seeing the Father and His answer more than we see the problem is required. This action of faith is the vehicle that keeps the 'lamp' burning on continually through the night. By faith, we believe...when you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you...(Isaiah 43:2). By faith, we believe...but He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed...(Isaiah 53:5, New International Version). By faith, we believe...but no weapon that is formed against us shall prosper, and every tongue that rises against you in judgment you shall show to be in the wrong...(Isaiah 54:17a). By faith, we believe..He shall call upon Me and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation...(Psalm 91:15-16). By faith, we believe...when you lie down you shall not be afraid; yes, you shall lie down, and your sleep shall be sweet. Be not afraid of sudden terror and panic, nor of the stormy blast or the storm and ruin of the wicked when it comes [for you will be guiltless]. For the Lord shall be your confidence, firm and strong, and shall keep your foot from being caught [in a trap or some hidden danger]...(Proverbs 3:24-26). By faith, we believe...for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail your nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]...(Hebrews 13:5b). By faith, we believe that God's promises are true; we stand upon His Word, and having done all to stand, we stand therefore..her lamp goes not out, but it burns on continually through the night...
John 8:12...Once more, Jesus addressed the crowd. He said, I am the Light of the world, He who follows Me will not be walking in the dark, but will have the Light, which is Life.
A hearts' cry...Father, if my lamp goes out through the night, how will others know the Light, Who is Life?