Don't let me betray you

Wow, lots of people-related pressure the past week or so. Ultimately its really important to remember that "we wrestle not with flesh and blood". The enemy controls those who refuse to submit to Christ and strongly influences and manipulates believers at times. He uses worry, fear, jealousy, envy, lust, pride, and a host of other forms of manipulation and temptation to cause people to have a multitude of, typically temporary, "silent battles" with each other. Its easy to get caught in the cross-fire of those battles. Its easy to get hurt when there are seasons in which attacks are directed at you.

Whether it be in business or personal life we're always going to face people challenges. The really best temptations can come when we're tired, stressed, or when we least expect the attack.

Right now it is pretty clear I have some spiritual warfare happening in my own life. I never really know why these things happen. At times I successfully remember that there are forces behind the faces and can remain patient instead of getting angry, worried, etc. Today I was in the thick of it. I was running out of time to have a lunchtime because the day at the office was so crazy. But I was really facing people challenges and it was bothering me a lot so I decided to have a late lunch and just spend a lot of time with the Lord. I didn't have any flashes of lightning but I trust that the Lord heard my prayers and is at work in the situation.

I am less concerned ultimately about the individual conflict and about the individual trouble than I am about pleasing the Lord. I feel so bad when I get in the flesh and respond with worry, fear, unkindness, or anger toward a person or a situation that is coming against me in some way. I just want to trust the Lord in those moments, say a prayer for help, and leave the situation (as well a myself) in his care.

So, here is my prayer for the day, "Lord, please help me to recognize that the situations and people conflicts are just trials, tests, and attacks. Help me not to take these situations personally. Help me to be quick to forgive and help me to respond patiently- no, even better help me to respond lovingly. Help me to 'not be overcome by evil but to overcome evil with good.' Thank you in advance for your help in these situations I have prayed about today. Bring peace to them and help me to be a light, a witness, and a blessing. Don't let me betray you by losing my peace and trust when under fire."