We have two incredible children. The older is brilliant and funny and incredibly hard to lead. He lives life with complete emotion and isn't easily swayed to do what he knows is wrong. The younger brought to earth the joy of heaven and a smile that can brighten even the darkest day. They are both supported by the love of their Heavenly Father and my role is to raise them righteously. As strong as they are, they will still need a mother who can teach them how to love and serve and rely on the powers of the Atonement in hopes of returning to live with their Father in Heaven.
The devil is aware. He knows the struggle it's going to be to get at my children and attacks the target he sees as weak. That's me.
"...and he shall wear out the saints of the most High..."-Daniel 7:25
"And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ."-Revelations 12:17
"Submit yourselves, therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you...For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us...that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."-James 4:7, Romans 8:18,38-39
My night and conversation with my husband did not end with a great lightening of worries and cares; the devil's stronghold is hard to break. But I was able to get out of bed this morning knowing that I have a new opportunity each day to access the blessings of the Savior's Atonement for me. The Devil may hate me, but the Lord has not given up on me. He will protect me, and my boys, until that day when I can once again stand before Him full of humility and account that I tried my hardest with the life that was given to me.
13 comments:
Hey look I have no life too. I'm your first comment. Have you ever considered that you are the only one who reads my blog and therefore you are the first and only comment. Yeah. That sounds about right. Anyway, I love this. I hate the devil too and I wish he and his minions would die. You are doing the most important work there is. It is hard and while Josh and i were away this weekend I had many thoughts about how nice it is without kids. Then I quickly had the spirit tell me every time that a life life that would be unfulfilled, lonely and definately not part of the plan.
On second thought I guess the Devil and his minions are dead. What I meant to say is I wish they didn't exist to tempt me but then again what kind of learning would that bring. It is such a toss up.
It's true. I don't often think about how Satan feels about me but you're right...he hates me. I'm ok with that:) I just need to remember that what he says DOESN'T MATTER! Thanks for the reminder!
Wow Michelle! When I visited your blog for the first time--last night, I wish I would have read just a bit further. I NEED this message! I've been struggling with SO MUCH lately. Things I haven't been able to tell anyone, but your post here hit the nail on the head. Thank you to you (and your wise husband) for the words that I needed right when I needed them. I guess that'll teach me to just read the first post on a blog, huh?
Thanks for the link. I'm so glad that what I wrote made sense to someone. :) I never know. I loved the scriptures you included. Really helped me today.
Dead on! You might enjoy reading C.S. Lewis's book "Screwtape Letters." It is very enlightening about how the devil works and thinks and tries to sabotage us.
Just remember, "Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them!" (2 Kings 6:16).
Ha! My friend is always telling me to be the kind of woman that makes the devil say, "Oh, no--she's awake!" when I get out of bed in the morning.
Thanks for sharing your story.
I just found your post on MMB's Post of the Week link-up. I just wanted to let you know that I thought it was beautifully written. As one who has watched a few close family members buckle under Satan's grasp, this subject always strikes close to my heart. Thanks for a bit of enlightenment today. :)
I love the way you wrote this. Keep your head up. Your right the Lord hasn't given up. Thanks for sharing your feelings with such honestly, its comforting to see others struggling with you. Reminds you to keep moving :-) With you in the struggle- Flor
visiting from MMB- http://FlorecitaGrowingUp.Com
Michelle, this post has meant a lot to me because recently I've felt unhappy and discouraged about things I don't normally feel unhappy about. It makes such a big difference to remember that the adversary is wanting me to feel this way and to work so hard to overcome it. I have never read that scripture from Revelations before- thank you!
Wow! I've never quite looked at Satan this way. Thank you for sharing and making us all stronger with your testimony!
I always think how lucky I am when I have trials or face discouragement, (usually after the fact,) because Satan thinks I am worth trying to bring down. Too bad, he is never going to win and I am so grateful for strong kids and hope that they stay that way. I love the Gospel and the knowledge it give us. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!
I love this and it makes total sense! I don't think I've ever looked at it that way. Of course he's going to go after the righteous! I've been dealing with my own "devils" lately. A friend and I were able to get away for the weekend hiking in a beautiful place and I actually took the book "the Power of a Praying Wife". I knew that I needed to change something and make a stand. I'm not gonna let the Devil take my my happiness and my family life away! All of that just to say that I can relate!
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