by Brenda Kay Ledford

“For ye were as sheep going astray, but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls,” (I Peter, 2:25, KJV).

Since I started caring for my sister, I’ve been under a lot of pressure.  Caring for family is a high calling.

The devil wants to destroy families because they are the bedrocks of civilization. The family is considered sacred to God because it is designed as a divine institution to reflect His love, character, and the Trinity’s unity. It is foundational to His plan for human flourishing, providing a setting to learn love, sacrifice, and faith. Families are designed to be a safe place to experience God’s love and a nurturing environment for raising children. 

I’ve been under spiritual warfare.  I can imagine Satan and his demons planning how to defeat Brenda.  I am a soldier.  I’m a soldier in the Army of God.

The Bible says in Ephesians 6:11-17, KJV:

“Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers in the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

“We are to put on the whole armor of God:  lions girt with truth, breastplate of righteousness, feet shod with the gospel of peace, and shield of faith.  The helmet of salvation, sword of the Spirit that is the Word of God.”

Here are some of the attacks launched against me within two weeks of time:

1. My car shut down in traffic.
2. My bank account was mixed up with another Brenda Ledford.
3. My freezer shut down, the food spoiled, and I had to discard it
4. The garbage collector got my account mixed up with another Brenda Ledford.
5. My sister’s blood pressure rose so high that I called 911 and feared she might have a stroke.
6. Someone hacked my debit card.
7. Lastly, the telemarketers just kept harassing me.

I couldn’t sleep.  I was consumed with worry, stress, and feared what might happen next!

Psalm 37:1-8 says not to fret or worry.  We must trust, delight in, commit our way to, and rest in the Lord.  It’s right to be concerned about responsibilities, but worry is concerning ourselves over things we have no control.  Worry is a sin.

I could not take any more stress.  I tried to pray and couldn’t reach God.  It was like Jesus when he was on the cross and cried, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46)

So I grabbed my Bible, and headed to the front porch.  Pastor Arron said sometimes you have to get alone with God.  At that moment I read my Bible, prayed, and cried.

And then, there was a small, still voice.  It was like God speaking to the Prophet Elijah.

The Holy Spirit told me that the devil couldn’t take my soul.  It was entrusted to Jesus at age 11 when I got saved.  My daddy was a Baptist preacher and baptized me in Fires Creek.  I made a profession of faith and joined Pine Grove Baptist Church.

Now, I realize that the battle between good and evil, between Satan and God, is for the souls of human beings.

John 3:16 says: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Finally, Jesus is the Bishop and Shepherd of my soul.

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Brenda Kay Ledford is a retired educator, and award-winner author of poetry and children’s picture books. She’s a member of Truett Memorial First Baptist Church in Hayesville, NC. She sings in the choir, attends the Women’s Sunday school class, and is active in “Women on Mission.” She blogs at Blue Ridge Poet.