Just Show Up - Crisis of Character (Shannon Deitz)

Here's another blog entry from Shannon Deitz. 

http://www.shannonmdeitz.com/just-show-up-crisis-of-character

The enemy is tricky. He’ll find any loophole in order to weasel is way in and cause havoc. I’ll admit, this week has felt like he pounced on a brief weak moment and latched on.

I have not liked myself this week. When I had that sudden confrontation earlier in the week it triggered something within me that the enemy latched onto and brought me back to feelings and emotions I felt I’d overcome years ago.

This morning in adoration as I knelt in prayer the phrase rang through my head – Crisis of Character. I’m having a brief (yes, Lord, please be very brief) crisis of character. This sense of animosity, pride, hostility and anger is not who I have become in Christ. It is the ‘old’ me and I don’t ever want to go back.

In prayer I asked God, “What do I do? Help me, Lord.” And immediately I began to think about the verse He gave me so long ago and has been leading me to use when at my last speaking engagements.

Ephesians 5:6-20

Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the disobedient.  So do not be associated with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light,for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth.Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.Take no part in the fruitless works of darkness; rather expose them,for it is shameful even to mention the things done by them in secret; but everything exposed by the light becomes visible,for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore, it says:

“Awake, O sleeper,

and arise from the dead,

and Christ will give you light.”

Watch carefully then how you live, not as foolish persons but as wise,making the most of the opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not continue in ignorance, but try to understand what is the will of the Lord. And do not get drunk on wine, in which lies debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,addressing one another [in] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and playing to the Lord in your hearts,giving thanks alwaysand for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.

I need to get rid of the ‘empty arguments’ and tryto do better. Immediately I felt a sense of peace. My battle is not over. The enemy will try his best to continue to trip me up but I have a greater power on my side – the best defense yet.

Thank God (literally) I don’t have to figure this out on my own.

Blessings
Shannon