The Lessons I Took Too Long To Learn – Part II

Not Developing Muscle!

heartbeat celexa and rapid

Two things came from my not enjoying exercise – one, is that I discovered that muscles not properly exercised can soften and become subject to invasion by dis–ease. For many years my flexibility and ability to ignore pain kept me moving so fast I didn’t think about what the consequences would be of not having a regular exercise routine – believe me it’s worth more than dropping a dress size!

The second exercise I didn’t employ was developing spiritual muscle. Suffering from a rather undisciplined nature – I did engage in daily bible reading and prayer – but all too often when I got through a test or a trial – I would treat myself to a vacation and forget that the devil existed. I would go about my routine giving no thought to the next attack from the enemy. All was well with the world, so the prayers became milk toast again. And then, when the enemy began to engage in a ittle tease here or there, I would go into a panic or worry or fear as the case suited – instead of calling that coward out and putting him under my feet where he belonged. Usually what would happen is that he would have to back me up against a wall before I would come out fighting.

Now before you think I was just a complete wimp – you would have to know that many of my attacks came from people – who for one reason or another I did not want to confront – or people I empowered and gave more importance to than they were worth. I either cared too much what some people would think, or I thought that the people the enemy was using had more power than they reallly had over my life. (If you need further description – e-mail me and I give you examples.) Let it suffice to say that the circumstances themselves are not relevant -the enemy always attacks the things that are important to YOU – and because we are all different – what will affect me, won’t affect you and vice-versa.

The message here is not in the attack, but in the length of time it took for me to come out fighting. I waited too long to read Jude 1:19-21 (NLT)

“These people are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They follow their natural instincts because they do not have God’s Spirit in them.
But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.”

And it took me to long to EXERCISE these words:

“But friends, you’re not in the dark, so how could you be taken off guard by any of this? You’re sons of Light, daughters of Day. We live under wide open skies and know where we stand. So let’s not sleepwalk through life like those others. Let’s keep our eyes open and be smart. People sleep at night and get drunk at night. But not us! Since we’re creatures of Day, let’s act like it. Walk out into the daylight sober, dressed up in faith, love, and the hope of salvation.” 1 Thessalonians 5:4-8 (MSG)

These lessons took me years to learn – how fast of a learner are you?

God Bless You,
Maria