On more than one occasion, my dad came to my rescue. Seeing the panic in my eyes, he would wrap his arms around me, reassuring me that I was going to be okay. He rubbed my back until I settled down and could breathe easy again. Once he knew I was doing better, he sent me on my way—but not before a gentle reminder to be more careful on the stairs the next time around.
Sometimes life can throw us a curve ball and we feel as though the wind has been knocked out of us. A pink slip from a job, a diagnosis from a doctor, a late night phone call, or a legal notice from a mail carrier, are reasons enough to make anyone gasp for breath.
After receiving a hateful email from someone who I thought was a friend, it felt as though I had been punched in the gut. I was beyond hurt. I sat staring at the computer screen in disbelief. Hot tears streamed down my cheeks as I tried to process the words I was reading. I didn’t know what to think. I was in complete shock.
Thankfully, God came to my rescue. He pulled me close and gently wrapped His arms around me. I felt His presence so powerfully that day. Even though I was hurting, I felt a sense of peace. Eventually, I settled down and could breathe easy again. The pain was still fresh, but I knew God was with me.
Over the next several days, God reassured me that everything was going to be okay. He encouraged me to get back out there and fight the good fight, but not before giving me a gentle reminder to be more careful in the future.
“Though they plot evil against you and devise wicked schemes, they cannot succeed.” (Psalm 21:11)
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)
Satan can knock us down, but as long as we cling to our heavenly Father, he can’t knock us out. God is strengthening His mighty warriors for battle. He must ensure we are coated with tough armor for what lies ahead.
To inoculate me from the praise of man, He baptized me in the criticism of man, until I died to the control of man. ~Francis Frangipane
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 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 6:10-12)
Through this experience God has taught me a valuable lesson. I must be self-controlled and alert and recognize that my true opponent in battle is Satan—not man.
