Our two granddaughters, Alyssa and Brenlee, have been raised very close thus far. In many ways, like sisters. While they don’t live in the same house, there are alot of days that they spend most of their waking hours together.
I am completely blessed by this and adore watching this little relationship unfold. But even then, there are those moments of setbacks. With the love comes the friction.
We recently had a battle of the “Ownership Factor” (aka: IT’S MINE!). Alyssa was 3 in August and Brenlee won’t be 2 until January. So there are 17 months between them.
Alyssa had a necklace that Brenlee decided she wanted. So she took it out of Alyssa’s hand. Brenlee had a bit of a cold, so this played a part in her overall behavior.
A teaching moment in kindness, became required. It was time to step in to train in the etiquette of sharing. It truly became a battle of the wills. I also recommend Dr James Dobson’s books – Dare To Discipline and The Strong Willed Child
BUT IT’S MINE!
I had Brenlee give me the necklace and instructed her that she had to give it back to Alyssa and that it wasn’t kind to take things from others. She then, took the necklace from my hand and exclaimed, “MY NECKLACE!”
I repeated to her, “No ma’am, it isn’t your necklace and this isn’t the kind way to behave.” We managed to get through the incident but still with an intense toddler. I am also aware that it won’t be the last.
When conflicts arise, no matter in what area in my life, I always try to evaluate to be sure it was handled properly and to learn from it. Was there something that could have been done better? Or maybe even not something to be done better and all was well.
NOT TODAY!
In this instance, my mind wandered to the spiritual. If only we could have the same kind of tenacity. that Brenlee attempted to have, when it comes to combat with the devil. We could look in the face of our circumstances and say – NOT TODAY! devil! You’re NOT taking my stuff! NO WAY, you’re NOT messing with my health! You’re NOT stealing from me! IT IS MINE!!
We have to be BOLD and COURAGEOUS! Let’s put on the whole armor of God as Ephesians 6 tells us!
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in HIS mighty power.
Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.
Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.
For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.
In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.
Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers..
EPHESIANS 6:10-18
STAND YOUR GROUND!
I put “stand your ground” in bold, because this really is the essence of the Ownership Factor. So often we just sit by and allow things to happen, rather than taking our authority as Believers.
IT IS TIME! You have the jurisdiction as a child of the MOST HIGH God! Cement your feet and STAND YOUR GROUND!
Take ownership of all that is yours, in Jesus name!
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