This post didn't turn out to be quite what I expected, but it's what was on my heart this morning

Toben and Audrey went to see David Crowder Band last night and rolled in about midnight. Emma and I were sound asleep, after having had a little pj night with a friend and her daughter. A new friend who is such a good listener and whom I fear has heard enough about me to last her a lifetime.

I kept thinking, "Stop talking about yourself!" but she kept on asking and there were some things I needed to get off my chest, some things I needed to talk through, and I trust her. She's safe. And she offered some invaluable wisdom.

Do you have friends like that? I hope so. How God has blessed me with several of these kinds of friends in just a short amount of time! When I stop to remember that we've only been here in Phoenix for a few months and yet I have women like this in my life already, I'm just blown away. Thank you, Lord!

One thing I love is that the conversation always comes around to God's glory, his truth, his will. It's never just about me or whatever is bothering me. No, the question is always about the bigger picture, about how I will respond in a way that honors God. How is whatever it is being used to transform me into the image of Jesus, to point to God, to deepen my faith?

I've been thinking about Esther a lot--no surprise since that's the study I'm doing right now. In this past week's homework, she exposed Haman to the king. "The adversary and enemy is this vile Haman" (Esther 7:6).

And I've been thinking about exposing my enemy to my King. Yes, I know that God already knows what Satan is up to. That he's not surprised, caught off guard, worrying what Satan will do next. But he's invited me to pour out my heart to him, he's invited me to tattle tale on my enemy and let him deal with it.

So I have been.

It's been a little weird at first. But empowering. To say to God: "Satan means this thing for our harm. He means it for our destruction. But your Word has promised that you will use it for our good and for your glory. Come and rescue me, make me wise to the enemy's schemes, fight my battles for me. Help me see the truth that we're not fighting against flesh and blood, but against the enemy of our souls."

I have been a total tattle tale. It's amazing how this is changed my thinking, my praying, my trust. 

It's trust that turns it around. Whatever is tough right now, trust can turn it around. Because if whatever it is happens, my God will take tender care of me. Of my family.

***

Reading this through again makes me realize that it sounds like there's major drama going on in my family. And there's not. No need to worry. 

We're not on the brink of disaster. Really, it's just normal, everyday kind of life stuff that we all face. But let's be honest. It's often that normal, everyday life kind of stuff that gets us down the most. Huge drama tends to be a little rarer. Constant wearing away is exhausting and, in the long run, can do just as much harm, I think. That's why I'm determined to address it.

I don't know what you're dealing with. But you have a heavenly Father who's ready to listen to you tattle on your enemy. Go do it and let him deal with it.

Comments

[Sallye]

Wow Joanne, I had never thought about being a tattle tale, but it makes sense. Even Jesus tattled. He told Peter that the enemy has ask to sift him. God has really been showing me that the things that go on in our life are for three reasons, to strengthen us, to encourage us, and to sharpen us. Sounds like God has been sharpening you, and inviting you to share. Thank you, I intend to be adding this to my prayer time. Guess this will be the one place where tattling is ok.

Have a wonderful weekend.

[Andrea]

Thanks for this post Joanne. My heart has been so heavy the past few days regarding a couple friends who are at odds and me feeling as tho I could get pulled into the middle...I am off to do a little tattling with the Lord this morning. So glad to hear God has blessed you with the friendship of WOGs in such a short time there!

[Jen Sonntag]

I got the book for my birthday last week and I am loving it!

And I have moments of wondering how in the world I got such amazing friends. When we moved to CO a couple of years ago I was friendless. But now I have friends who are throwing me a dinner party this weekend! God is so gracious to us!

P.S. I am the girl who messaged you on fb because my hub was attending Denver Sem. He graduated in May!

[dawn]

My first visit to your blog and loved this entry...for a lot of reasons. For one...I am one who can tell people more than they want to know about me (at least it seems so to me!) but realize that I am telling not only my story but God's story...of how he turned bad to Good in His redemption of the enemy's plans. In fact, I named my little blog theGoodlife because of that very fact.

Anyway, I'm sure I will continue to enjoy reading your blog...going to go check out your marriage blog too). Thanks!

[suzanne]

Great thoughts here.....I appreciate your sharing, and I think the kind of friend you mentioned is a rare treasure!

Suzanne

[Julie]

Loved this post and I needed it SO much today. Thanks!!!!

[Delina]

I needed to read this today. Love how you're telling on the Enemy. Gonna start that today. I agree, you don't have to be dealing with major drama to feel defeated by the everyday. It's a good reminder of who is really the source of our frustration. Thank you.

[Shelley]

Wow Joanne,
Thank you so much for this post. I really needed it and you gave me just the ammo to fight the enemy with this morning!!!
Blessings to you and your family!!!

[Michelle]

I love this! I tattle ALL THE TIME to God. And He never grows weary of it...I'm never told to stop. And He always shows up...always.

I haven't read your blog in a while and I find it VERY interesting that the day I decide to work on trusting God is the day I read this post...about trust. Even MORE confirmation that God wants me to trust Him...more and more...and completely. (I actually just did a post on my blog about it...literally 10 minutes ago!) Whew...it's tough! But I KNOW it will be worth it...