From Victory to Defeat in 24 Hours

DEFEAT: It’s a danger that ALL moms face at some point! With the many opportunities we have daily, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with our obligations, and start to feel that we have more responsibilities than we have time for. Getting “weary in well doing“ can lead to a loss of joy or victory in our Christian life, and bring feelings of discouragement, or even defeat.

A perfect Bible example of this is Elijah. In I Kings we read how Elijah had a great victory, but the very next day, he wanted to die! He went from victory to defeat in 24 hours – from the mountain top to the valley.

God wants us to have an abundant, victorious life, but often our choices lead us to the point of deficit living, defeat, and discouragement.

What Leads Us To Deficit Living or Defeat?

1. BUSYNESS

When we have too much on our to-do-list, we function on overload. We can only do that for so long, and then the tank goes dry, and we are on empty. Often we don’t realize that it’s catching us, till it knocks us down.

Our busyness crowds out our relationship with God, and others. It causes us to get fatigued physically, and our health suffers. Not only do we pay when we’re too busy, but usually our family does as well.

if you are too busy, ask God to show you what your priorities need to be, and what you should let go.

2. FATIGUE

Elijah wanted to give up because of fatigue. He had just run to Jezreel, then the next day when he heard that Jezebel wanted to kill him, he ran again. He was exhausted. Look at the first two things that God did for Elijah: he made him sleep, and he gave him food.

Physical fatigue makes things seem overwhelming, and worse than they are. It’s easy to stay up late, and get less sleep when we are too busy. This will take a toll on our bodies, and eventually catch us. Know your limits, and guard your sleep time!

3. FAILURE TO TAKE TIME FOR SELF-RENEWAL

In order to be able to serve our families, and be victorious and joyful, we MUST make time to take care of ourselves! If we are exhausted and defeated, we will no longer have anything to give to our families. We have to take responsibility for self-renewal!

We need to stay renewed in three areas:

1. PHYSICAL

Make time to care for yourself physically. When things are busy, be sure you still get the rest you need. Take time to make good, nutritious meals, and don’t push your exercise time aside. When you are worn out, take a break, and rest! It’s okay to let things go sometimes.

2. EMOTIONAL/SOCIAL

Make sure you are getting adequate support and encouragement. Find someone who is like minded to fellowship with. Allow time for friends, and make time for your spouse.

3. SPIRITUAL

Often when we get busy, one of the first things we tend to neglect is our quiet time with God and His Word. To stay renewed spiritually, we have to keep in tune with the Lord. Everything we do should rest on the foundation of our relationship with Him. Therefore, we must commit to stay faithful in our Bible reading and prayer.

When our bodies and spirits are weary, God offers us rest. He says “Come unto me, and I will give you rest.” He offers it, but we have to COME. God wants us to serve Him, but we must take time to let Him restore us daily.

Don’t fall into the trap of letting life overwhelm you, and bring you from victorious living to defeat. Beware of the traps of busyness, fatigue, and lack of self-care. Daily make time to renew yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually!

Kathie Morrissey, the mother of 8 children, is a committed homeschooling mom of 28 years. Kathie is the founder of the Character Corner/Courtship Connection, as well as a popular speaker at homeschool conventions and support groups, family seminars, and mother/daughter banquets, and retreats.

She loves to write about parenting, homeschooling, and life in general at her Character Corner blog. Her heart’s desire is to help and encourage parents in raising Godly children with strong Christian character. Her seven oldest have graduated from their homeschool, and she continues to teach her youngest son.

You can read her blog at The Character Corner, and find her on Facebook.

If you enjoyed what you read, have my free {no spam} email delivered directly to your inbox! Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner