Life Plan Devotion #99 [God's Armor--Helmet of Salvation, Part XVII, Fear of Powerlessness]

Hi, Everyone.
I walked the road to a Master's degree [i.e., I was available to edit papers] with two of my four children. Now, a third has begun his Master's, and last night, I was sent the first paper to edit. I'll admit, at first I felt quite helpless, but the English teacher in me kicked in, and I was able to give my son some good direction. I NEED YOUR PRAYERS, though. I have a feeling these next few years may bring more challenges--papers and projects. Maybe THIS degree will have my name on it, with my son's. You're right--probably not. It's okay, at least he's paying for it on his own, just like my daughter and other son did! :)
I'm not sure if today's devotion wraps up the fear of powerlessness/helplessness or if tomorrow's will, but we are on the home stretch with this not-so-mini miniseries. Thank you for staying the course!

Life Plan Devotion #99 [God’s Armor--Helmet of Salvation, Part XVII]

     The enemy doesn’t have to do much more than whisper, “This is just the way life is; there’s nothing you can do about it," pairing it with a seemingly hopeless situation, and, chances are, you will give in to the fear of powerlessness/helplessness. I know that has been true in my life.
     Due to repressed memories and trauma from a rape at 15 and an abusive first marriage, I suffered from depression, anxiety, fear, and panic attacks. Even as a believer, I know what it is like to wake up in the morning, clinging to the Lord and trusting Him to get me through the day. Like David, I prayed to God and reminded Him that, “You are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble" (Psalm 59:16-17).
     The enemy wanted me to feel powerless to change my situation of depression and panic attacks (and all that entailed), just like he wanted me to feel powerless to change the situation in my first marriage. While he was successful for a time, in both cir****tances, I came to realize that because I am a believer, I am never powerless. It took some time, but I climbed out.
     Are you in a situation that has you brought down low? You don’t have to stay there. Climb up! Climb out! Allow God to help you experience what David did, and caused David to pray, “You armed me with strength for battle; You made my adversaries bow at my feet" (II Samuel 22:40). God says to you, “…I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10).

Prayer for Today:
“Heavenly Father, sometimes life is really hard, and the enemy wants me to think that there’s no way out, that there’s nothing that I or anyone else can do to change the situation. I recognize that as a lie, Lord, because You have told me in Your Word that you will strengthen me and help me. I’m so thankful that, in the midst of terribly tough times, I can feel Your Hand holding me up. I love You so much for that! Father, when I’m in a seemingly hopeless situation, remind me that I can climb up and out of it, with Your help. Help me to know what to do, and help me to take that first step, the next step, and the next. I pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen."
 
Go forth today, trusting in the One who gave you the Helmet of Salvation (Deliverance) and the Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God) to remind you that He can and will deliver you from the fear of powerlessness/helplessness.

Blessings,
Mary