B is for BULLY

I did battle with a giant last night. All day long I was able to avoid a confrontation. I complacently consumed only those food items that were ‘good’ for me. Then, just past 7:30 p.m., the giant I had been dodging most of the day, got in my face.

This morning, during my devotional time (you can tell this is when God seems to move); I was led to the scripture in Numbers 13:30-33. I always enjoyed reading this story about the men who were sent into Canaan to explore and report back. The inhabitants of Canaan seemed to be giants to the scouting party. They were afraid and gave a false report.

I am wearing a huge grin because as I was preparing to write this post I felt like I had just done battle with a giant. I allowed food, or my desire to eat, bully me. It took strength to fight this bully. As I was remembering this, my Bible was open to the story of the giants of Canaan and the Israelites’ perception of them.

Isn’t that what our battle with bullies is about, our perception of the giants we face? Looking back I confess, the bully had me worried for a short time, but God was greater than my tormentor. I only had to trust in Him. Food cannot bully me again, at least not today. And that is all I need as I move forward one day at a time.

Numbers 14:9 summed up the battle for me. “Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them."

Just For fun: Here’s an interesting word, Bumptious (BUMP-shuss), overbearing or crudely assertive. Someone who is bumptious is overly pushy or impertinent.

Our God will never bully us into submission. He will only lovingly direct our steps, while reminding us to put Him first.

Grace 'n Grins,

Judy