Saturday, May 21, 2011

Guess Who Is Coming to Dinner?

Just thought I would add pun to the title of this post as I share a couple of experiences over the last 2 weeks.
If you know/remember this classic movie with Sidney Poitier, he was certainly not the guest/ boyfriend the family was expecting their daughter to bring home for dinner. Well this is by no means regarding racial matters. But, have you ever planned or gone to a party, or just gone somewhere with the intention of having a delightful time and either someone shows up or just something happens that COULD totally destroy the event, the occasion, etc? Instances like this is probably where the phrase was coined "Prepare for the best, but expect the worse".
The week I was scheduled for chemo was great!!! My mother in law and I had been everywhere running errands, having lunch, working on projects...all was well as could be. That Thursday I am scheduled to go to chemo and Mike had made plans to take Kendra for her driving test, but I wake up to the worst morning of the week. Guess who came for 'dinner'? The devil himself!!! He came just that day to steal time dedicated to my healing. I woke up and truly could not function, could not eat, throwing up, unbearable pain, chills, unable to walk, etc. Mike, in his effort to care for me, was late and could not get Kendra to her test ontime, I was late to my appointment and was really at the point that I had decided not to go that day... All was falling apart. We prayed, I hummed (that's what I do to center my mind), and hands were laid upon my body (thank you mom in law),...and I got myself up after some relief and I made it to my MD appointment and received ALL of my chemo.
Well, the week after chemo is usually pretty hard and again the devil decided to show up and was determined for me not to go to physical therapy. Again, trying to steal my healing, my blessing. We prayed, I was late some days, had significant pain...but I made it! But Wednesday, the pain was so intolerable that I had to go the ER that evening. The funny thing is that I have been reading and listening to The Word more and I just don't think the devil finds that appealing so he continues to show up for 'dinner' and attempt to destroy me. I got out of the hospital on Thursday and still went to therapy on Friday!!!
Here is what I am learning. As you draw closer to God, especially while in the midst of a trial, it is the best opportunity for the devil to attempt to steal your faith, your strength, your determination and will power; he wants you to give up. I will share, I have been there because the pain has just been where I have said "I can't do this anymore". But when my mind is centered and my spirit man is in control, I thought if I were to give up then not only does the devil win BUT I am basically saying God is a liar. God said He would not put anymore on His children than they can handle. He apparently believes I can handle this situation (eventhough I wonder about myself and where the strength is coming from); and He's right because because I keep coming back.
While my prayer life is getting stronger, I will have "balls of steal" (hope not to offend) when it comes to dealing with the devil. Here is one other tidbit of information that has been a revelation for me. We have been taught to pray and humble ourselves to God, offer praises, etc, etc. Have you ever had the opportunity to speak boldly to the devil. More often now, I am conversing with Satan to let him know that I acknowledge that he is real, but he is not welcomed in my home, my finances, my family and friends, my health; I don't love him, need him, or want him; he is not worthy, nothing assigned to me belongs to him; AND I have GOD who will defeat him and defend me every day of the week. Basically, I tell him not to waste his time with me. While that is like extending a challenge to him, I know that he is not happy with the fact I keep coming back.
I'm not the knock out kid; even the devil will be calling me "The Comeback Kid" and I'm sure he is learning that he is not on our 'dinner' guest list.

4 comments:

  1. You know it's strange to me that until I read these words, I didn't realize that I've never really confronted the devil. I tend to do my prayer thing and leave that business to God. I feel now that it is my duty to personally let the devil know that he is NOT welcome......Thank you and God Bless!

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  2. Faith without works is dead and a Faith that is not tested is a faith that is not worthy of having! Jesus spoke to Satan and yes we must speak to him just as we talk to ourselves. How great it feels when you know Satan does not get the last word! Great to see you progressing and are continueing on the battlefield! You constantly amaze me and set an awesome example of a Godly Woman who despite what is set before you press toward the mark of the high calling! Grace and Peace be unto you and the family in the name of Jesus!!

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  3. You were born today - a little while ago. I don't know if you think that today is a "happy" birthday for you -- but I know this, it ws the day that the Lord blessed us all with you. I, for one, am EVERY grateful. I love you Yolanda!

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  4. Your strength and faith are so AWESOME!!! God is using you for HIS GLORY!!! Continue to worship and praise HIM..........VICTORY IS YOURS. Dana Smith

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