I’m writing this post because this girl is goin’ through a tough time.  So, I need to remind myself of God’s truths and usually when I write about my struggles, it helps others too.  Situations have escalated and I need to take down a Goliath in my life I’ve allowed to rule for way too long.

Do You Need to Take Down a Goliath in your life?

Don’t get me wrong, I’m NOT asking “Do you need to take down a person?”  My good friend Wendy once said, “if they have skin on, they’re not the enemy.”

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,
but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
                               Ephesians 6:12

My ‘Goliath’ has been screaming threats in my ear; attacking who I am, lying, mocking my relationship with God and criticizing the call on my life.  The intimidation has often left me cowering in shame.

The longevity of this battle has taken its toll and affected me so profoundly in the past year that I was ready to give up on everything. It affected me physically, spiritually and emotionally.  I felt so defeated and discouraged that I didn’t even send out my weekly Soul H2O devotions for three weeks in July because, it’s impossible to refresh others when your well is dry.  Since I started sending out Soul H2O four years ago I had only missed posting once, when I was on a missions’ trip in Guatemala.  I can’t express to you how defeated the enemy made me feel, even after a season of powerful ministry this spring.  I can relate to Elijah’s breakdown in a new way after this experience.

Can you relate to what I’m going through?
Have you ever asked God, why is this happening to me?

Lakemount Worship CentreEven up to this morning I was feeling this way until I listened to a sermon by Matt Tapley from Lakemount Worship Centre in Grimsby, Ontario.  It wasn’t a warm and fuzzy sermon to ease my pain.  This was a ‘toughen up, you can do it’ kind of message, and that’s exactly what I needed.

In his podcast, Spiritual Best Practices, Matt talks about a faulty theology Christians often have that leads you to believe

“if I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing, I can avoid trouble.”
But, as Matt points out,
“This isn’t true.”

Falling prey to this mindset easily opens the door to believe the enemies lies.  He intimidates by whispering in your ear that you MUST be doing something wrong, or worse, that God must not love you.

I wish my faith was stronger than this.  You’d think I wouldn’t struggle with this faulty theology since I wrote a post about it titled, We Need To Change Our Christian Expectations.   This was back in 2013 when God first started confronting my mixed-up belief.  It’s sad how thick-headed we can be.  God often needs to apply a few knocks on our noggin to help us ‘get it’!

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.  But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyedwhen his glory is revealed.”
1 Peter 4:12-13

GETTING INSPIRED

FierceheartedMatt’s message, rereading my old blog post and beginning to read Holley Gerth’s book, Fiercehearted were the kick in the pants I needed to get out of my funk and back to a firm foundation of faith.  When I heard Matt say, “ If God’s helped you with a ‘level 2 bully’ then He can help you defeat a ‘level 12 Goliath’” I wanted to shout; but the people walking on the trail near me might have called the authorities.  The very title of Holley’s book is inspiring me.  I want to live #fiercehearted in the face of my Goliath, and I know you do too!  I can’t wait to be OVERjoyed when His glory is revealed and the battle is gone.

Click here to watch the Facebook Live I recorded after I got all fired up.  I’m sure it will be a shot in the arm of courage for you!

Since the video people have asked me for the verses I mentioned. Here’s a listing of Scriptures that will help you stand firm in your faith so you can take down any Goliath you face!

Hebrews 10:39
2 Corinthians 4:16-19
Isaiah 10:27
1 John 2:20-27
Another couple verses that will help you are Isaiah 54:17, 52:2, Ephesians 6:12

Praying this post leaves you Blessed & Refreshed!

Much love,
~Sherry Stahl
xoxo

We Need To Change Our Christian Expectations My #SoulH2O Blog Post
https://holleygerth.com/
https://www.lakemount.ca/
https://www.lakemount.ca/grow/messages/spiritual-best-practices

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Post in the Comment Section below and bolster the faith of someone else!

blogger prayerYOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP WITH:
MONDAY Monday Meditations – Laura J. Davis,
TUESDAY Cheerleaders of Faith #RARaLinkup – Kelly Balarie,
WEDNESDAY Coffee For Your Heart – Holley Gerth, Word Nerd Wednesdays — Liz Giertz
THURSDAY Heart Encouragement Thursday – Crystal Storms, Chasing Community – Barbara Bradford Ottinger
FRIDAY Dance With Jesus Linkup – Susan B. Mead, Grace and Truth Linkup – Arabah Joy, Counting My Blessings – Deb Wolf, Fresh Market Friday – Crystal Twaddell ELLEN’S PICKS– Ellen Graf-Martin

Sherry Stahl