Snuff The Punk

Ok, so lately it seems like everyone I know is under attack.  Health issues, lay-offs, inability to find jobs, depression, miscommunication, loved ones passing away, car issues, house issues, LIFE ISSUES.  It's crazy the amount of strife going on right now.  I mean, I know we're all constantly, on a day-to-day (sometimes hour-to-hour) battle with everything, but it just seems like this year has had a record number of #Fails.  (Sorry the twitterer in me is coming out.) 

Honestly I don't feel like I'm in any position to heap out brilliant advice or even cheerful words of encouragement, 'cause I (along with my family) am right there in the trenches as well.  I feel beat down, worn out, run over and all that.  I've cried.  I've screamed.  I've punched my pillows.  I've accused God of not hearing us!

This past Sunday, Pastor Joe talked about how when things are going badly, we often say "Just pray the devil leaves me alone."  But truth is, the devil is NOT gonna leave us alone 'cause we're down.  He's not gonna leave us alone just 'cause we've asked nicely.  It's these moments he's gonna throw more and more at us, because he knows we're weak.  Things often have to get so much worse before they can get better.  I don't know why God doesn't just step in and "fix things."  Wouldn't that be rad?  Why do we have to go through so many trials and tribulations of just every day life. We know we're here for more than working for the man, paying the bills, driving a nice car, etc.  So why do we have to go through all these hoops?  The devil isn't as powerful as our Father, but he is certainly a hard worker, and he knows us... he knows just what it takes to get us down.  He knows to hit our bank accounts, he knows how to cause tension between spouses and friends, he knows how to get us and he'll do everything in his power to make it count.

But, the last few days every time I hear or read a new prayer request, or a cry out for help, or a "OMGosh, why is life so sucky??!?!" I've had a picture pop up in my mind.  The devil is strong, but not as strong as God.  The devil is smart, but not as smart as God.  The picture that has popped into my head is this one...

No matter what your stance on the band P.O.D. is, this CD cover still has to be a little bit of fresh air in your otherwise horrendous day.  Ok, at least it is in mine.  The good guys will win in the end.  Light shall prevail.  The devil cannot be the victor.  God will snuff the punk!

So, I dunno what you're dealing with right now (well, I do know what a lot of you are dealing with right now), but God has it in His hands, He is Lord over all... and even though it does suck right now, there's a greater outcome.  We just have to continue to be strong, continue to be faithful and remember that God is bigger!