The Myth of Defeat

What is it about the thought of possible defeat that either makes me want to run, or on other occassions, put my fists up and start throwing punches? Fight or flight. A defense mechanism that occurs when a threat is posed.

What makes the difference mentally? Why is my mind wanting to choose so instinctually, based upon the circumstance? Is there a third option?

If it is true that before the foundations of the world began, He knew me, had my story written, already had the way through this paved, was already constructing beauty out of the ashes He knew I would be reduced to, knowing that harm would come to me and had already converted it to good, shouldn’t there be a third option?

Because of His love for me. Because He knew that I am His, therefore I would never know the full meaning of defeat. Because He took that upon Himself, defeating satan, sin, and death. And I get to stand in that victory and claim it as my own. Because He is working all these things together for good, because I trust Him. Is it not true that there is a third option? Shouldn’t I be able to rest in that? Say, “Get behind me satan”, and watch the fear and anxiety melt away like a room temperature bologna sandwhich? Maybe not.

Maybe the third option is to wrestle with reality. To wrestle with the emotions. Even wrestle with God. Ask the question “why”? Why did I have to go through this? Why do I feel unheard, unworthy, unloveable? Why would I ever be blessed with goodness and beauty in this life? Why would God choose to bless me?

As I write this out, I’m discovering that it comes down to which voice I choose to listen to. The voice of satan creates questions. The voice of God answers them. Not to say that questions are wrong. They aren’t. Until the implication of truth is misrepresented.

This tactic is as old as time itself. What did satan do in the Garden of Eden? “Did God really say…” He created doubt in Eve’s mind in order to impose the feeling of defeat, by means of contorted truth. Doubt is the only time that satan can actually have a grip on our minds. Our emotions follow shortly after. And when those are engaged, we start to live our lives out in defeat. We live in a contorted truth.

But, for those who are in Christ, it’s only a mirage. An illusion. When it heats up, we start seeing things that aren’t really there, and believe them as truths. If I feel defeated, maybe I really am.

Are you seeing the analogy? Are you feeling the heat? Are you seeing the mirage? Are you feeling the defeat?

Then STOP! Take time to recognize which voice you’re listening to. Is it truth, or the bending of it? God always wins every battle. Therefore, we are more than conquorers throught Christ Jesus! (Romans 8: 37)

There is a third option! We don’t have to fight or flight. We can struggle. We can find the truth when we seek it with all of out heart (Jeremiah 29:13)!

The defeat you’re feeling is a mirage! Just like when we are in the elements and dehydrated. We start to lose control of what our minds see as real. So take a drink. Experience what is real and true. It’s not only life giving, but it engages the mechanism to stand firm in faith, look that mirage of defeat in the face, and say, “I will nevere be defeated! That’s a myth. And today, I choose truth. Today, I stand strong and watch the mirage be obliterated by the dowsing of the Living Water.”

Defeat is a myth. Live like it. And question the voice you’re choosing to listen to.