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