Just Because It Went So Well

It's odd.

At the marriage retreat, Chuck often said that Satan would attack us because he doesn't want things to go well within our marriages. I hesitate to speak about Satan, because I find all of that talk really unnerving and weird and associated with fundamentalists. So, I pretty much believe in the existence of Satan and demons, but I don't like to talk about how they work, or "attack," or whatever.

But how do you explain my wife suddenly freaking out tonight over details and my continued irritability (when I'm generally pleasant)? Or Bryan's weird day? Or Joel's mounting frustration and concern? Or my lack of motivation? Are these all coincidences?

I cannot believe it. And the only thing that I can do is pray. Luckily, this weekend we talked about the 3 prayers roots, one of which is intercession. So it is still on my mind right now. I think all across the community we could use some intercession right now. On behalf of my wife and her stress and tiredness. Lord, comfort, calm, soothe, and make right. On behalf of Bryan. Lord, encourage, fortify with strength, energize, and hold him up. On behalf of Joel. Lord, lead with a mighty hand and with clarity. On behalf of others I have not heard from. Lord, bless marriages, bless jobs, bless drives, bless anything that is currently going wrong and wrest control away from those who seek to harm us.

We have dedicated ourselves to You once again. We put ourselves within Your hands.

In the name of Jesus, our blessed Savior, Amen.

Blocked Prayer

Yesterday morning after I finished typing here I began to have a conversation with God. I was especially concerned about Bryan and his job, but as soon as I tried to pray about it I felt distracted. Started thinking about school, worries, sports, whatever. It was important to me so I tried to refocus and yet, I couldn't bring myself to actually pray about what was going on without becoming distracted.

It was then that I realized. There are other spiritual forces at play in the world other than God who would rather that I didn't pray for Bryan. Who are here to destroy goodness. That is a thought that weirds me out when I'm honest, but that I also know that the Bible treats these other spirits very seriously. Why else did Jesus go around throwing out demons? They're real, I just don't like to acknowledge any sort of other spiritual presence.

In Jesus name, I was able to pray through that yesterday. But again today, prayer about certain things seemed blocked. Makes me wonder where all there are significant power struggles of spiritual forces and I am unawares. It's a scary thought.

Lord Jesus, as I continue to converse with You throughout the day, show me these blockades that need to be dragged down. Where do they exist? I praise You for fully answering and working in situations I prayed about yesterday, with Bryan particularly. I always want Your praise to be quick to my tongue so that I do not forget the wonder You do around me every single day.

Walk with me today I pray. Amen.