Vulnerability

Vulnerable or Vulnerability

Day 1

Vulnerable

1.
a. Susceptible to physical or emotional injury.
b. Susceptible to attack: "We are vulnerable both by water and land, without either fleet or army" Alexander Hamilton.
c. Open to censure or criticism; assailable.
2.
a. Liable to succumb, as to persuasion or temptation.
b. Games In a position to receive greater penalties or bonuses in a hand of bridge. In a rubber, used of the pair of players who score 100 points toward game.

Day 2

1 Peter 5:8-9
Be careful! Watch for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour. Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.

When was the last time you were vulnerable. Did Satan have his way with you? Were you strong enough to fight him off? What would you have done differently? What did you do right? Aren’t these the questions we ask ourselves after we have been really vulnerable?

Knowing God’s Word helps us to prevent these times of vulnerability, it helps us to have a shield when we are weak. Dear sisters (and a few brothers) in Christ, we have all fallen for Satan’s evil schemes in our lives in one degree or another. I think I will be vulnerable right now by sharing a time in my life where Satan had the upper hand. Keep in mind that every bit of my Spirit is asking me to share while my mind says not to because it opens me up to be real, to be going through the same kind of suffering as others do on a daily basis. It also brings me to my knees to where I want us to focus, the place where we meet with God when we have been vulnerable, where I should have been when Satan met me.

A time of vulnerability for me came last summer when my husband left for camp for a week with the middle school students. We had a busy week prior to his leaving, I was battling some health issues with my Thyroid, Iron and heart. Before we knew it, it was time for him to focus on the ministry and prepare for departure. At that moment, panic set in for me. The girls didn’t get the usual time to spend with Dad and I was going to be left with 3 very unhappy and confused little emotional girls. I took things into my own hands, forced my husband to spend time with the girls only to hurt them more when he was not available to love on them. This event started a week long depression and full on attack from Satan. Instead of a loving embrace before leaving, I stomped off dragging three little girls in tow, making a scene that not only embarrassed my husband, but sent a flag for Satan to send in some of his army to start battle. My anger grew stronger as the day progressed and every time the girls mentioned their dad(my husband, my soul mate) I cringed. That evening as I was on my computer preparing for the devotional (yes, how ironic) I received an instant message from an acquaintance of the opposite sex. Before I knew it we were talking about how his relationship was going down hill, how he had made some pretty bad mistakes and wanting to know what he should do. I shared with him how frustrated I was with my health, with feeling emotionally separated from my husband and boom, there it was, a full blown violation of my marriage. I was beginning to be emotionally attached to this person who was listening to my every word and sympathizing with me. Agreeing with every thought and telling me what I wanted to hear. Our conversations lasted several days on and off and then it crossed the line. This friend shared an intimate detail with me that made me turn the other way, see the light, fall to my knees. The damage had been done, I had participated in an emotional affair and it was going the wrong way. I could have continued on with the conversations, making excuses that there was no harm, he wasn't even in the same state as I was. One thought of what my husband would think and I felt like such a looser. I needed to be set free from the bondage that Satan had me in. I was vulnerable in so many ways. I was focused on my troubles, I wasn’t watching for the very danger that I myself have warned others not to participate in. How did it happen? The questions started pouring in. I shared with a few friends and to my surprise, each had also participated in a similar situation to one degree or another. Some of them had made it right by coming clean and some were living in bondage. I knew what I had to do. I didn't like it.

Lions attack sick, young, or straggling animals; they choose victims who are alone or not alert. Peter warns us to watch out for Satan when we are suffering or being persecuted. Feeling alone, weak, helpless, and cut off from other believers, so focused on our troubles that we forget to watch for danger, we are especially vulnerable to Satan’s attacks. During times of suffering, seek other Christians support. Keep your eyes on Christ, and resist the Devil. Then, says James, “he will flee from you” (James 4:7)

So, my dear friends, this is where we need to focus. Not on what happened but what we need to do when we find ourselves right in the middle of one of Satan’s schemes. We must fall to our knees and make things right with God and those we have wronged. This lesson was not easy for me. I would have rather died than sit face to face with my soul mate and share with him that I had violated our very own marriage. God has an amazing way of working things out and making us stronger and more aware the next time that Satan tries to attack. I pray that this part of my life will help you to be on guard in yours.

Dear Lord, I did it. I shared. It was hard, but I know that I am not the only one. I know that there are people who need to hear this. That need to know that there is a real spiritual battle out there and we can be devoured so quickly that we don’t even see it until it is too late. I pray that you will protect each of us, give us a Holy discontent in our hearts and minds when we participate in Satan’s schemes. Help us to guard our lives with your Word, where we can find the preventative and the healing measures for the times we have wronged others. Lord, I pray that your will is in this weeks devotional and that you will be glorified through the vulnerability of my testimony. Praise you, Lord, that I am here to share it today. Amen.

Day 3

Wow, how Satan really wants to attack. After sharing my testimony, I keep thinking of what you think of me. I pray that you know my heart and see that I never wanted to be in that situation to begin with. There is nothing better than living through a devotional. I am vulnerable right now, but know I have a strong support group that is here for me.

Will you pray for me today?

Is that a hard question for us at times? How often do we think we need to get through it on our own?

It is important that we remember to ask our fellow Christians to pray for us and that we seek the Word of God to teach us.

Judges 15:18 shows us that vulnerability often comes after an emotional victory.
Now Samson was very thirsty, and he cried out to the Lord, “You have accomplished this great victory by the strength of your servant. Must I now die of thirst and fall into the hands of these pagan people?”

Samson was physically and emotionally exhausted. After a great personal victory, his attitude declined quickly into self-pity- “must I now die of thirst?” Emotionally, we are most vulnerable after a great effort or when faced with real physical needs. Severe depression often follows great achievements, so don’t be surprised if you feel drained after personal victory. During these times of vulnerability, avoid the temptation to think that God owes you for your efforts. It was his strength that gave you victory. Concentrate on keeping your attitudes, actions and words focused on God instead of yourself.

This reminds me of Childbirth. Both a physical and emotional victory many times leads to the baby blues. Are there some examples you can think of, where we make it through something great and amazing through the love and help of our Lord, then do not lean on him to restore our health physically, mentally, spiritually?

Dear God, thank you for this devotional. I am feeling a bit vulnerable, but I am learning so much by reading your word. Please help those who are reading this to recognize their vulnerability so that they do not have to suffer. Lord, help them to see where they have been so vulnerable in the past so that they will recognize it in the future. Self-Pity, yuck, I don’t like that word, but I sure seem to entertain it when the initial awe of a victory begins to fade away. Help us all to focus on you. We love you. Amen.

Day 4

Do me a favor, think of a leader. Maybe it is a spiritual leader or a mentor. Maybe it is yourself. Read the following scripture keeping this thought in mind.

1 Samuel 10:26-27
When Saul returned to his home at Gibeah, a band of men whose hearts God had touched became his constant companions. But there were some wicked men who complained, “How can this man save us?” And they despised him and refused to bring him gifts. But Saul ignored them.

Some men became Saul’s constant companions, while others despised him. Criticism will always be directed toward those who lead because they are out in front. At this time, Saul took no notice of those who seemed to be against him, although later he would become consumed with jealousy . If you are a leader, listen to constructive criticism, but don’t spend valuable time and energy worrying about those who may oppose you. Instead, focus your attention on those who are ready and willing to help. If you know a leader, be willing to offer constructive criticism and always be ready and willing to help.

Have you ever been involved in a ministry, organization or something similar, where those who are not leading decide they are going to complain. How effective was that effort when the focus was on the complaints and not the positive? Do you know someone who could be a great leader who doesn’t know how to handle constructive criticism, who gets defensive at the very thought of someone who may not agree completely with their way of doing things?

Leaders must find balance to be great. Saul just brushed it off, let it roll off his back, but later fell into jealousy. Then there are those who take their role as leader too far. A good leader listens, grows and constantly invites challenge, learning to filter what is important through all the criticism. So if you are the leader or being led. Make sure you are doing your part to balance this vulnerability.

This is a huge area of vulnerability. Either as a leader or as the one being led. Many times we forget that the very leader was appointed leader and we were appointed to be lead. What areas in your life do you see your role as leader? As the lead? What can you do differently in your role? Are you balanced or are you leaning too far on one end or the other.?

I made a comment this week to my mother in law that I have to be a leader. Imagine that. I guess I needed to say it so that I would be ready to learn from it. There are many times that I have been lead and think I could do it better, but truth is, it didn’t matter and I wasn’t helping by complaining.
There is one leader in our life that relates to these examples. Our Lord. He really is the best leader, he has a plan and he is qualified for the position. At times, we tend to think we got it, we can handle it on our own. It is our role to be lead by God. Are you ready to stop complaining and see what he can do when the focus is no longer on the negative. Where are you willing to be vulnerable to be changed? Do you agree that there is a balance to vulnerability that can be for good and not for bad?

Day 5

I don’t know about you, but I am feeling like I have learned so much this week as I reflect on my life and this subject of vulnerability. I would have never considered all these areas had I not been deep in the Word of God. I am so thankful today that I have had the chance to seek him and learn from him. I have a better understanding of what he wants for me. I didn’t have to look very far.

Romans 7:21-25 It seems to be a fact of life that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another law at work within me that is at war with my mind. This law wins the fight and makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.

This inward struggle with sin is real for us isn’t it? Could you make this your theme song? Paul showed us that when he felt lost, he would return to the beginning of his spiritual life, remembering that he had already been freed by Jesus Christ. When you feel confused and overwhelmed by sin’s appeal, follow Paul’s example: Thank God that he has given you freedom through Jesus Christ. Let the reality of Christ’s power lift you up to real victory over sin. Release the bondage of vulnerability in your life.

Lord, we did it. We learned that we are going to be vulnerable when we are tired, sick, physically and emotionally stretched and when we have just experienced a great victory. We have also learned that we are subject to vulnerability as leaders and those who are being lead. That we are all subject to sin. We praise you for your Son, Jesus and that we can trust you and follow your leadership. We can be vulnerable for good as well as for bad. We must be on guard and take a deep cleansing bath in your word. Just like at a spa, we need your word to cleanse us, rid us of the toxins and protect us from further damage to our souls. What an amazing week, help me to press on towards your goal, protect us from Satan’s schemes to harm us and help us to recognize if we are swimming in one right now. I love you Lord. Amen.