Void Satan's Ticket. . .

Beginning a new career creates a rollercoaster of emotions.  Through orientation the excitement builds equivalent to a coaster climbing that first hill.  Following orientation you dig into the routines, policies and procedures of the facility only to find days when emotions plummet.  Similar to the coaster falling full force down the steep hill, learning a new routine and skills may lead to downward spiral of emotions.  Mistakes occur taking a stab at confidence.  Exhaustion results after long hours of learning which steal away all patience.  Strength arises when success can finally be seen and the learning revealed when remembering what to do for that day.  The rollercoaster begins climbing the next hill.  Excitement filters back in along with confidence and rest. 

Hard work, exhaustion and moments of despair all led to the career I began as a nurse.  Excitement shot through the roof as I began caring for patients and performing skills learned in school.  After a week of training, emotions plummeted and I felt failure creeping into my spirit.  Mistakes led to questioning the decision to be a nurse.  Adjusting to twelve hour shifts led to exhaustion and short temper with loved ones.  I crashed one night for an eleven hour getaway to sleep the week’s events off.  After wakening, I realized what went wrong the past week. . .

It was not that I don’t have the knowledge, passion or ability to perform said career.  It was that I held tightly to self for strength and courage.  Relying on self creates a rollercoaster ride of emotions.  Satan sat right next to me and enjoyed every moment of the ride.  Well, I made a decision to kick Satan out and void his ticket into my spirit. 

Have you ever ridden a rollercoaster and let go of the handlebars?  As we hold tightly to the handlebars, relying on our own strength to get us through the ride, it ends with pain, weakness, frustration and no desire ever to step foot on the ride again.  Raising hands high, letting up on the tight grip allows freedom to enjoy the ride.  We know we are safe although valleys, peaks and turns lay ahead on the ride.  Excitement remains despite the speed changes and bumps felt throughout.  The difference being our source of strength and courage. . .

Numerous times in the Bible, God reminds Joshua to be strong and courageous throughout his journey.  God did not ask Joshua to approach things through his own strength or rely on emotions to see him through.  God asked Joshua to take Him along for the ride, let go of the handlebars and allow Him to maintain excitement for whatever the path may present.  Placing our trust in God for strength and courage keeps Satan at a distance.

Life may seem like a rollercoaster ride that you did not buy a ticket for nor did you have a desire to even approach the entrance gate.  Rest assured because God provides strength beyond what can be imagined.  Courage builds by looking upward knowing He is by your side to help.  Let go of the tight grip, raise hands high and be amazed at the accomplishments made with His strength dwelling inside you.  Be strong and courageous! 

No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.

“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.  Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:5-9

Don’t focus on the ups and downs of life. . .read His Truth to maintain and be stable.  We are NEVER left alone or FORSAKEN.  Gain and deepen your relationship with God.  Get to know Him by reading His Word.  This alone will void Satan’s ticket into your spirit; for Satan slithers around waiting to steal our focus on the rollercoaster of life.  Satan wants to join the ride and destroy your strength!  REMEMBER. . .

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig