Monday, August 30, 2010

A Word From My Man!


So, this is my MAN!! And I am really so blessed that he is in my life! God so knew I needed him! I am type A+, but Jody is type B-...so together we form a good A-/B+ team! He has been a constant encouragment to me during this adoption journey, and God has used him to speak truth in my life countless times.


And another thing I love about him? He is a grilling machine!

Jody definitely has the gift of encouragement, and I think everyone who knows him personally would agree with me. Well, a few weeks ago, he sent out an email to some couples in our church that are praying about adoption or have just started the adoption process. Immediately when I read it, I knew I had to copy and paste it on the blog! It's a keeper...

This morning in Luke 4, I was specifically focusing on verses 3-13, where Jesus is being tempted by Satan. Here is what really jumped out at me today. Jesus has just been baptized and the Holy Spirit has descended on Him (Luke 3:21-22)…and now its time for Him to start His ministry. Guess what the first thing the Jesus has to face is? The greatest temptations of his entire ministry!

You see, I believe Satan’s plan was to destroy Him before he ever got started. Jesus’ response to each of the 3 temptations from Satan was this…”It is Written”. In other words, Jesus knew that the Word and power of the Holy Spirit were the only things that could overcome the power of Satan’s temptations. Later in the passage, it says that once Satan saw that Jesus was not going fall for his schemes…he departed from Him.

So, how does this apply to us? Here are a few ways:

1. Remember that the first steps of faith you take towards this adoption journey are the biggest steps…and they are the ones that Satan dislikes the most. Expect to be tempted and attacked early on…just as Jesus was. Remember, this is going to be a HUGE platform for ministry for each of you…so be aware that you have a big target on your back (now that you are encouraged, I'll move on!) And by the way, this is exactly what happened to us when we started the adoption journey.

2. The only way we are going to be able to withstand the temptations and lies from the enemy is for our lives and hearts to be grounded in the Word of God. You don’t want to try to fight this battle alone…you need spiritual weapons! And the best weapons you have are: The Word, the Holy Spirit, and your prayer life. If you are disconnected spiritually, it will be very easy to give up or give in. Just know, that’s all part of the subtle plans of the Enemy too.

3. Try to focus on what lies ahead. Remember, God’s timing is perfect, and we need to go through these difficult seasons. But don’t lose focus on what God has called each of us to…the affliction is temporary, but the joy lasts forever and generations will be impacted by your faithfulness.


“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

11 comments:

Mama Mimi said...

Beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

Makenzie said...

Thank you! Those words were very encouraging, especially for us who are at the very beginning of this process.

Jennifer said...

awesome....Love when our men speak up and speak truth...

melissa said...

thank you for sharing!
husbands are great : )

Kristi J said...

wow..amazing and so true!! thanks for sharing...kristi

Unknown said...

LOVE when men of God are open and vocal examples!

Heather said...

Sounds like you have a great catch there:-) I've never started a grill either! As for the mower-I mowed the grass the other day for the first time in a while since Jason hurt his finger...and let's just say it took about 10 minutes for me to get the thing going. Saddest part-it's a riding mower and has a key...but still it was tricky! haha

Heather

P.S. Those shoes are from DSW-don't know if you have one there but they have a website www.dsw.com and if you search, they are the SM Jan bootie. They were inexpensive too! (and real leather!) Glad you love them:-)

Jana said...

Alison! so wonderful to read your words...not just as a means of reconnecting, but as an inspiration. touched by your excerpt on adoption from the Luke passage. what a fantastic and inspiring parallel to make. i wish you guys joy on your journey to your new baby girl.

found your blog through Amy O'Mara's, by way of Ginger Montgomery's (convoluted, i know!)...come say hi sometime on http://eakesfamily.blogspot.com hope you are all well!

Jana Eakes

Katie said...

Alison, your husband's words of encouragement are so very timely for my family. Thank you for sharing them!

Hannah said...

That is great! What a blessing he must be to your family. :)

Unknown said...

Praying those words truly touch people! Umm...I have never turned the grill on before either, and I have no clue where to start!!