I read the social media article, laid the phone down, and took a deep breath. In comes a heaviness I cannot describe. The compilation of events and endless chatter have led me to this breaking point.
What is this feeling? My chest is heavy and my heart is breaking. I don’t know what to do with these emotions? I’ve got to release this pressure and I don’t know how. I’ve already gone for a run when this happened earlier, maybe I’ll try a bike ride.
My neighbor and I set out on a bike trail. Again, I take a deep breath, then cry out, “Lord, help me!”
Dodging the mosquitos and oversized roots obstructing my path, I fix my eyes on what lies ahead and remember my authority tool. “Lord, I feel fear, oppression, anger, and, honestly, death right now. This world is in chaos. I recognize these feelings are not of you, and come against them now in the mighty name of Jesus! Fill me with your love, joy, and life!” I take a deep breath, sense your peace, and continue on.
The path switches from all terrain to pavement. My neighbor takes the front and sees a baby copperhead coiled up in the middle of the path. “Snake!” she screams, and immediately I lift my legs up off the pedals. The snake strikes at my foot, but misses.
I didn’t see the snake, just acted on my neighbor’s words. She explained what happened and I took a deep breath. Then it hits me!
God gave me a picture – a physical manifestation of what is occurring in the spiritual realm.
A reminder that I am in a spiritual battle and to not give up. An encouragement that there is a spiritual enemy but in Christ, the serpent can only strike at my heal. He is under my feet!
Whatever battle you currently find yourself in, shift your anger and fear appropriately. Then, remember…
Genesis 3:14-15 So the Lord said to the serpent, “…And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”
Psalm 18:38-39 I crushed them so that they could not rise; they fell beneath my feet. You armed me with strength for battle; you humbled my adversaries before me.
Romans 16:20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
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