Under Attack

You might think this is an odd topic for me to write about as it is usually not my style to blog about things like this but I feel compelled for one reason or another to write it down. I am convinced that we are under attack and I don't mean physically, politically, or even emotionally. I am talking under attack spiritually! And who is we?? Well, all of us really but especially parents. And how do I know this?? Because the Bible tells us so . . .

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." -Ephesians 6:12

As much as it scares me, I believe more than ever that our world is facing a spiritual warfare all around us. And I think that parents, especially mothers, are facing a full blown assault!

The enemy wants to do everything he can to prevent us from raising faithful children who love the Lord. But it must be a difficult task for him to weasel his way in.

Because we want to protect the innocence of our children, we are vigilant about the media that we allow into our homes (which, in-turn, protects us as well).

Because little eyes are watching, we want to set a good example and "do what's right".

Because little ears are listening, we carefully choose the words we say.

Because we want our children to enjoy God's word, we study it ourselves.

We are guarding our families from the blatant attacks from the enemy that we've seen destroy others. There will never be a time in the lives of our children when we have as much control over what they're exposed to than while they are young. We know this and we are wholeheartedly trying to stay faithful in God's word. In the midst of trying to instill a love for God in our children and preserve their innocence, why does it feel like we still can't claim victory???

It's because the enemy has found another way through our seemingly impenetrable walls...through self-doubt and unrealistic expectations of ourselves.

This has been a huge struggle for me lately. I honestly haven't felt like I can do anything right. I doubt my ability to raise our children to love the Lord. I doubt my ability to make a difference in this world. I doubt my ability to serve. It seems to me that someone can always do "it" better than I can.

A very small part of this, I truly believe, is God using child-rearing to humble my heart. He has taught me to need Him and not to depend on myself. I can't be the kind of person I want to be, or the person my children need me to be, on my own. I must look to His strength, love, and kindness.

But the feelings of self-doubt are not from God. They are Satan's way of attacking me. Because when I feel like this, I am debilitated. I am grumpy. I am irritable and short-fused. I don't want to serve because I don't feel like it. And that's just what the enemy wants...

So...what do I do to win this battle??? I'm not entirely sure, but I think looking to God's word is the right start. And recognizing that it is an attack that I must battle against.

Perhaps I'm the only one who feels this way. But I would venture to guess that I'm not alone. So stay strong Mothers . . . And Fathers and refuse to be defeated if it's the last thing YOU do!

I know this is a pretty heavy post but it has been on my mind and in my heart lately. So here are some smiles to brighten the mood! :)

Logan started swimming lessons this past weekend and he LOVED it!