Galatians 6:9-10

Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
~Galatians 6:9-10

It amazes me how God is constantly by my side, speaking to me and guiding me. The verse above (in lyrical form, thanks to Mark Altrogge) and the song Divine Romance by Phil Wickham have been replaying in my mind all of today. For that, I am grateful.

Recent events have conspired against my plans. I decide that, yes, I will take concrete steps toward international deaf missions, and outline future plans on paper. Guess what happens next. Temptation, of course. Temptation in a form I couldn't imagine and certainly didn't expect. Temptation in the form of a friend...who wants to move beyond friendship.

I agree with him on some levels. On a superficial level, and even a personality level, we could form a good team with a little work. However, there's a level that finds people in their nightmares, in their daydreams, in the moments when all is lost or everything is gained. It is at that level that we are not compatible. I love this man as a friend, and yearn for his salvation. But I know it would be foolish to yoke myself to an unbeliever. The relationship he desires would only distract me from the One I hold Most Dear, and the purpose for which I am on Earth.

It is what I think I want, but not how I want it... or perhaps some of what I want, but not good enough. Like the Israelites in the wilderness who were tired of manna and cried for meat.

I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
~1 Timothy 1:12-17

God, may I prove true to the challenge you have set before me. Set my feet upon a rock! I feel the firey darts of Apollyon whizzing past my ear--protect me, Lord, and guide my sword in the attack. Thank you for bringing to my attention the dangers to both myself and my friend.

Um, don't follow that last link if you're sensitive to foul language.

Some scripture that the Holy Spirit illuminated during this battle (:

Ephesians 6:10-18
Ephesians 5:15- 21
James 1:22-26
**This is why the Bible needs interpreting. How else could I fight if I did not know my Sword?
Romans 10:5-17
Romans 7:7-25
Ephesians 3:14-21
Ephesians 4:17-32
Hebrews 12:1-2
(Shoutout to my new pastors, who preached through Ephesians last year. It helped a lot--thanks, guys!)