Conflict
I sat watching the television as one nation barraged another with multiple rounds of ballistic missiles as air rade sirens rang out. It would be normal to allow fearful thoughts and questions that all begin with 'what if' to take over in my mind. Instead, I began to pray. My prayers included asking God to cover His people. Expressing thankfulness for His peace, His strength and wisdom, discernment and clarity for everyone involved in the conflict. Not only does prayer move the heart of God, it moves ours.
Not every conflict is so obvious and bombastic. Not every enemy attacks with such force and aggression. There are times in our lives when the conflict we encounter is an all-out assault, attempting to rock our very foundation. But, often, much more likely, the conflict is insidious and happens over time if we are not vigilant to stand against it. Arguments that aren't resolved. Gossip that plants seeds that are watered by our repeated participation. Anger. Hurt feelings that harden and find space in our hearts. Lies believed as the enemy of our soul shouts out our shortcomings and failures.
As I read a scripture the other morning, I looked to The Message for perspective. This is our war plan for conflict resolution! 2 Corinthians 10:5 (MSG) presents it this way: "We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ." That's what taking EVERY thought CAPTIVE looks like. Fitting everything that we face into the structure of life shaped by Jesus. Thank You, Lord, for showing us Your tools for the conflict in our lives and for helping us to live a life shaped by You!
Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside
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