Another Level

Do you ever have days when you feel so stressed? The list of things you need to do, doesn't it just seem to grow faster than the list of things you have actually done? Everything just seems to weigh you down? Time! People! Everything!

Well, I have been going through one of those periods. The last few days have been quite challenging for me in one way or the other. Feelings of high followed by feelings of low. Sometimes I can't even put my finger on it. Up and down. Up and down. That's how my emotions have been, like some erratic thermometer. But hey I am a woman....I can blame it on the hormones....isn't that what the experts tell us?

But seriously, is that how a Christian should live? Is that victorious, joyful living? Should 'stress' be even in my dictionary? Isn't the joy of the Lord my strength? Why should I be anxious for anything? Isn't God the one who directs my steps? Shouldn't I be surrendering it all and laying it at His feet?

A few weeks ago, I started a new habit which I shared with you in an earlier blog entry (See October 12 2006). It was a good habit. I decided to wake up (a mere) fifteen minutes earlier than usual to spend more time with God. It was to be a good foundation for the day. And it has been. As I have embraced this routine in my life, it is like I have gone unto another level. For example, I feel more enpowered at work. God has been giving me new ideas. Certain solutions have been coming easier. Take the other day, I took under 5 minutes to solve an oustanding error that I had been pondering on for months. A problem that I had dismissed to the bottom of my work pile.

But going from one level to another higher one does not necessarily come easy. There are some tests we must go through. And it is only when you pass the tests, you can successfully say you have been promoted. That you have reached a higher level.

And so this has been my story lately. As doors have been opening and the blessings of God has been pouring out, oh the enemy has sharpened his weaponry. He does not seem happy lately. But I know it is all part of the journey. It is all part of the military training as soldiers of Christ.

So what must I do? I will not give in. I will press forward. Like David, I will encourage and strengthen myself in the Lord. I will continue to dwell in His Word in order to pass the tests. So, satan, get behind me!