Welcome to Wilco Wednesday! If you are a new around these parts, “Wilco” is Army-speak for “Will Comply.” Think of it as saying “Roger, God. Got it. Will do.” So that is what Wednesday here at 7 Days Time is all about– exploring his decrees and seeking guidance for what complying with Him looks like in everyday life. The best part? He loves us for who we are, not what we do. Remember: He doesn’t want perfection, just obedience. Share. Enjoy. Interact. Welcome today’s guest blogger, my dear friend, encourager, and wise counselor, Carriann.
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I watched aid workers receive refugees on the shores of a dark, icy sea. Huge, hot, tears streamed down my cheeks as I took the scene into my heart. Tears of joy, tears of sorrow.
Many worked to wrap blankets around the injured, the cold, the very young and the very old. Mothers and fathers with resigned brown eyes fed their children, drank water, gathered them up after a rest and walked out. What compelled them to move away from rest so quickly?
Terror. People who know there is a difference between leaving and escaping move with haste. When a million miles is not enough distance between you and evil that hunts you, haunts you—you keep moving.
On my knees, I sought God’s will for our part in his plan to rescue them.
Days later, I watched bloodied and terrified Parisians flood from theaters, restaurants and clubs. I watched the body count rise from tens to hundreds.
I forgot those mothers on the shores of Greece. I forgot those tired, cold and terrified children. I forgot the heart-wrenching helplessness of their fathers. I thought of my children, my neighborhood and fathers who fight. Fathers who leave safe places to rescue the oppressed and capture black flags.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ tells us that a powerful, unstoppable warrior King is coming to deliver justice. Nothing will stop him. No power on earth has ever seen anything like him. Every knee will bow to him. He’s coming.
But not today.
The enemy of my soul got busy. “Let’s be real. You know that we cannot possibly vet those refugees. It took less than a dozen people to lay waste to Paris. Of 30,000 refugees, you don’t think 10 will be infiltrators? Of course they will.”
Walls up. The believer who was on her knees with compassion just weeks ago was on her high horse now, chasing down logic and reason as a means to achieve safety and comfort.
The enemy of our soul is always armed with some truth, a Trojan horse hiding the big lie. He bluffs, wagering we will believe the lie for its compelling truth.
This is the pattern of spiritual warfare. First, we draw a false idea from circumstance and run it through a lifetime of filters and fears. Next, the enemy orchestrates an event designed to cause us to believe it in a deep way. Once a lie has taken root, it can work endlessly toward a lifetime of destructive ends.
I believe the enemy of our soul knows fear. He trades in it, perhaps because he is trapped in it. At the cross, God’s perfect plan was revealed and it stunned the evil one. His days are numbered and he doesn’t know the number. He is desperate for us to hurt each other, to steal glory from God. The good news is that the Lord is interceding over us day and night, and we may know his Truth.
As I wrote this, I was interrupted by another horror. Indeed, one of our vetted immigrants got through the net. The horrific violence in San Bernardino crushed me in a new way. I petitioned the Lord in great angst and felt in my soul the word, “floodgates.”
If the Paris attacks were step one, a lie that says “God will not protect us,” the San Bernardino attacks were step two, “I’ll force you to believe it.”
Satan stays true to form.
Thankfully, so does God.
Psalms tells us that the first to testify always seems right, until he is cross-examined. The Holy Spirit is alive in those that believe, helping us examine our conscience. God revealed to me that I would go to great lengths to help refugees far from home, but I did not want them anywhere near my home. Too dangerous. Ouch. I repent.
I’m not writing to talk to you about the way forward, the wisdom or politics of any position or strategy. God will reign.
I’m writing to implore you to ask God to reveal any philosophy Satan may use to pull you into captivity and rob you of hope or faith.
Isaiah 8:11-15 is a life verse I’d like to share, given to me by God in 2012.
“The Lord spoke to me thus: I should not walk in the way of this people. “Do not say ‘A conspiracy!’ concerning all that this people call a conspiracy. Nor be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled. The Lord of Hosts, Him shall you hallow. Let Him be your fear, let him be your dread. He will be as a sanctuary.”
Today, the God spoke to me through Colossians 2:8.
“See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.”
This is my WILCO. I ask God to increase our faith and nurture our spirits as we bless his holy name. It’s a dark week, but light has entered the world and the darkness cannot overcome it.
Dear readers– what are your thoughts? We also welcome feedback. Join the conversation and leave a comment here.
Carriann Lane spends her 7 days time in a myriad of projects. She is a Full-time Home Educator, Part-Time Adjunct* Humanities Faculty, Leader of Initiatives and Organizations, Certified Justice Planner, Lover of Christ, Chris, and 3 Children, Technical Writer “Trying Content Writer On for Size” Guest Blogger.
*Because she is a technical writer, she knows that “Part-Time” and “Adjunct” are redundant.
Linking up today with my friend Kristin over at Three-word Wednesday and having a little Coffee for your Heart with Holley. Oh! And be sure to join our #EverydayJesus link-up community right here at 7 Days Time every Thursday!
