The Enemy Can Be Anywhere...

"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings." 1 Peter 5:8-9

This verse is very appropriate this week for Andy and I, I think. It's been very interesting around here...this new job activity of his. Being in construction, he's been up and down work wise for about 5 years, and one of the standard conversations with friends is always about his work prospect, if they have work, if he'll be working through winter, when he'll be laid off, when he'll be out of town, that kind of thing. So many people have been encouraging to Andy the whole time he's been up and down, expressing their concern for our family and our well-being. And always, for the last five years, there has always been talk about Andy finding a more steady job.

Last week when Andy went in for his interview, we were both praying for guidance for Andy. That he would know, that as he sat in the interview, the Holy Spirit would prompt him as to whether or not he should take the job offered. We knew it was going to be a pay cut, but he wanted to be where God wanted him. We both felt he should take the job, there really was no question of not taking it, we both had such a peace and calmness about him taking this job. There is an opportunity for a leadership position for him shortly, but first he needs to prove his worth and earn it. We both know he can do it, with God's strength and the Holy Spirit backing him up, he can be very successful in this job, and be a fantastic business. There's plenty of opportunity, and we will leave it up to God to present that opportunity when the time is right. My mind so likes to race ahead, but for now I am very content and happy with where Andy is.

But what was interesting this past weekend was all these people...all these friends who for so long have all been inquiring into a steady job for Andy and really supporting him all seemed so...disappointed, I guess with Andy's new job. It was almost surreal how not a single person seemed to be happy for him. And it led me to thinking about this verse, how we could have really taken it personally and called this new employer up and changed our minds. And I just know with all my heart that that is exactly what the enemy wanted. He even used out closest friends to encourage defeat and to try and shift us from God's path. That's so scary! Yet we've remained diligent so far, and to be honest, now I'm getting a little bit excited for Andy. Because if Satan doesn't want him working there, there must be awesome things in store for him. I cannot wait for my husband to have the position that God is preparing for him, because I know he'll be happy there.

I pray that we continue to be vigilant and that God will keep us on the path that we need to be. May the Holy Spirit continue to be there to offer encouragement when needed most.