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TUG-OF-WAR
As mothers, we will be able to relate to the mother in the
story Tug of War. Our
children may not be in the jaws of a literal alligator, but at times they
are in a much more dangerous grip…that of the world and of Satan. We are in a spiritual tug-of-war for our
children’s spirit and soul. We want
them for His glory and kingdom, but the enemy will fight against us. We hang on by prayers and the scars we
leave are those of unconditional love, availability – time, hugs, tears,
understanding, compassion, and direction.
Many of the prayer scars are only visible to heavens eyes. But by the power of the Holy Spirit our
prayers burrow in and make a difference in our children’s lives. What an awesome honor God gave to us as
mothers. What a bigger honor He
gave us a Prayer Warriors for our children.
If you are a mother troubled over attitudes, behaviors,
choices, and rebellion hold on! In
a spiritual tug-of-war the right nails (the cross) and Love (Jesus) make all the difference.
Arise, cry out in the night: in the beginning of the watches
pour out thine heart like water before the face of the Lord: lift up thy
hands toward him for the life of thy young children, that faint for hunger
in the top of every street.
Lamentations 2: 19
Love to you in Jesus,
Cindy
2002
TUG–OF–WAR
**Author Unknown
I couldn’t find any evidence as to the truth of this
story. Actual or not, this story
illustrates the beauty and strength of God’s love and the special love God
gives a mother for her children.
Some years ago on a hot summer day in south Florida a little
boy decided to go for a swim in the old swimming hole behind his
house. In a hurry to dive into the
cool water, he ran out the back door, leaving behind shoes, socks, and
shirt as he went. He flew into the water, not realizing that as he
swam toward the middle of the lake, an alligator was swimming toward the
shore. His mother - in the house was looking out the window - saw the two
as they got closer and closer together. In utter fear, she ran toward
the water, yelling to her son as loudly as she could.
Hearing her voice, the little boy became alarmed and made a
U-turn to swim to his mother. It was too late. Just as he reached her, the
alligator reached him. From the
dock, the mother grabbed her little boy by the arms just as the alligator
snatched his legs. That began an incredible tug-of-war between the two. The
alligator was much stronger than the mother, but the mother was much too
passionate to let go. A farmer happened to drive by, heard her screams,
raced from his truck, took aim and shot the alligator.
Remarkably, after weeks and weeks in the hospital, the little boy survived.
His legs were extremely scarred by the vicious attack of the animal
and, on his arms, were deep scratches where his mother's fingernails
dug into his flesh in her effort to hang on to the son she loved.
The newspaper reporter, who interviewed the boy after the trauma, asked if
he would show him his scars. The boy lifted his pant legs. And then, with
obvious pride, he said to the reporter, "But look at my arms. I have great scars on my arms, too. I
have them because my mom wouldn't let go."
You and I can identify with that little boy. We have scars, too. No,
not from an alligator, or anything quite so dramatic. But, the scars of a
painful past. Some of those scars are unsightly and have caused us
deep regret. But, some wounds,
my friend, are because God has refused to let go. In the midst of your struggle, He's been there holding on to
you.
The Scripture teaches
that God loves you. If you have
Christ in your life, you have become a child of God. He wants to protect you and provide for
you in everyway. But sometimes we
foolishly wade into dangerous situations. The swimming hole of life is
filled with peril - and we forget that the enemy is waiting to attack.
That's when the tug-o-war begins - and if you have the scars of His love on
your arms be very, very grateful.
He did not - and will not - let you go.
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