Fierce Opposition (1 Jn 4:4) by Karen Patnaunde

12 Dec Fierce Opposition (1 Jn 4:4) by Karen Patnaunde

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB).  Leaders.  Guest Authors.
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“You belong to God, children, and you have conquered them, for the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” ~ 1 Jn 4:4 (full readings)
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Karen’s Reflections:   Often in life you can judge the path that you are on based on the opposition you face.  As Pro-Life Christians, opposition is facing us everywhere.  Our beliefs are questioned and we are put to the test.  I remember one ride that significantly impacted me on this subject.  I had just received my new LIFE Runners cycle jersey and was pumped up to get out on the streets of Rapid City for a long ride.  That day my husband was 2 hours late getting home leaving me to ride in the heat of the summer.  Our puppy had wandered off while I was waiting for my husband and as I looked for him I was hit with a very scary dizzy attack that left me tempted to call 911.  I sat down then and there and prayed to God and the attack passed only to be followed by another physical pain in my rib cage.  I knew as I prayed that the enemy was trying to keep me home that day which only fueled my desire to get out there and ride.  I was certain someone needed to read the powerful message “REMEMBER The Unborn, Jer 1:5”  When my husband finally arrived I rode out praying that God would use me to reach out to someone who was considering abortion.  As I rode I noticed more and more people reading my jersey and only 15 minutes into my ride I blew a tire going quite fast.  It was by the grace of God that I did not crash.  As I changed my tire the jersey was visible to passing traffic and I felt as if that was the moment that God needed me to be right where I was.  The rest of my ride was trouble free which lead me to believe that God’s plan had been accomplished.  I may never know how God used me that day but I know by the way the enemy tried to stop me that God had a purpose and a plan for my ride and I never let the enemy win. God is bigger than anything that the enemy can throw at you.
* Karen Patnaude and her husband Ryan have one young daughter.  Karen is a stay at home mom who actively serves as a volunteer in her church in the early childhood ministry and is the Rapid City LIFE Runners chapter leader.
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Faith Challenge:  When it seems like everything is against you when you are trying to do something for God, let that opposition be your driving force.  Let the amazing power of the Holy Spirit be your guide.  You never know how God may use you that day.
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Counter-Culture News:  LifeSiteNews, LifeNews, American Family, Vatican, Project Rachel.
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Our Prayers:  Pray LIFE Runners Creed to end abortion.  Add Prayers. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, unceasingly. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.
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Feast Day:  Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
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Faith Quote:  “Sometimes you have to stop worrying, wondering, and doubting. Have faith that things will work out, maybe not how you planned, but just how it’s meant to be.” ~ Unknown
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Through Christ Our Lord,
Karen
Jer 29:11