It always starts off slow and subtle. I chalked it up to jetlag for the first few days. Everyone was EXHAUSTED and drained - physically and emotionally. The house was SO nice and clean when we got home but didn't stay that way for long. Five people who just had maid, laundry, and a chef do everything for them for the last 2 weeks - had to relearn what "responsibility" and "chores" meant.
As the jetlag wore off, the chaos seemed to get worse. Here it is - Satan sneaking in - seeing a weak moment, physically, emotionally, relationally. The kids began bickering and fighting with everyone in sight....each other, Mom and Dad, Grandparents. The same kids mind you that did AMAZINGLY well for 10 days in a foreign country eating strange food and riding in the van through traffic everyday. The same kids that spent a total of 71 HOURS in an airport/airplane and did GREAT!! This week - they can't even ride 15 minutes to baseball without fighting and arguing...not bickering once but over and over again!
Chaos - taking rationale thinking out of the picture and letting your emotions drive you....not good emotions either - - ones like worry, doubt, anger, pity, stress! Justifying your feelings as valid. Then it hits you like a brick - - you begin to hear the slithering whisper of lies that Satan has woven into your heart, mind, household. You see where he began to spin things out of control - - where he began leading you down that ever present road to selfishness, self-indulgence, self-righteousness. If he can get you to focus on "SELF" then you aren't focused on God and the TRUTH that is there.
So - how do you put to order the Chaos that Satan has weaved so quickly and silently within your family! You don't - - but there is someone who can! He is ALL about healing, peace, calm - - ALL about renewing, reviving, relationships - - ALL about grace, hope, love. He is my Savior and He never fails me - even when I fail Him. When I fall, He picks me up! When I am weak and worn out - - when I can't do it anymore - - HE can!
It is easy to say that Satan tempts you when he sees you as a threat - he begins pushing and prying in your life when you are doing something amazing for the kingdom! Well - this year has been an amazing journey - a God filled journey - one that has taught me a lot about myself and His plan for my family! It has also taught me that without Christ I am nothing - - even amidst the journey - - if I do not surrender daily - - if I do not give my heart, mind, family to God's guidance - - Satan will try to steal and destroy our peace and hope.
So we are saying good bye to CHAOS - - casting Satan out of our home, our hearts, our minds! Embracing God's love and plan for our family and our lives! Fixing our eyes on His desires - not just once, or weekly - but DAILY turning our lives over to the ONE who loves us and wants to bring PEACE to our lives!
Are you living in CHAOS or PEACE?
"If the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace." ~Romans 8:6
Amen, sister! Don't let Satan steal your peace and joy. He would love nothing more than to pit one or God's children against another. You are in the midst of His will and Nahome will soon be with your incredible family! Take heart, Jesus has overcome the world!
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