when all you have left is one labored breath...

When all you have left is one labored breath...
Don't panic.
I repeat, don't panic.

Believe that God is faithful.
Focus on that one, fragile breath He has given you...
Then another.
Then another.

And as you breathe,
Be aware that the enemy is trying to suffocate you;
To weigh you down with congestion, deception.
He will ruthlessly suggest that all is lost;
That all is hopeless;
That you are alone;
That you are far too damaged;
And that nobody cares.

But don't accept those foul whispers.
For they are loathsome and originate from no friend of yours.
Be prompt to take offense to such suggestions.
And reject every felony uttered against the Savior's holy Name!

Because you are not hopeless.
Because you are never alone.
God is here.
God will rescue and save.

Remember His loving plan to keep you alive and close to His heart...
To offer you His Sabbath rest and peaceful life.
He has promised to restore you to fullness, health, holiness.
And He is faithful.
He will heal.
He will make all things work together for your good.
Because He loves you.
Yes, He loves you.

Beloved,
God. Loves. You.

No matter how bleak things may seem,
He will shine His Light ahead every darkened step.
He will guide you through uncertain valleys.
He will lead you to still waters, calm pastures, holy places.
So, do not linger helplessly in the gasping shadows of sinful remorse.
No.  Do not be defeated by clogging self pity.
Do not give Satan a foothold.
Because Jesus has assured that evil can not, will not, does not win.
Hallelujah.

Yes, breathe...
And claim the Savior's victorious new.
No matter your current emotion or sensitivity;
No matter your present circumstance.
Accept the breath of the Living God,
Believe that He is able.
Believe that He is always.
Believe that He will help in His perfect time.
Believe His blessings and inhale His proven medicine: His life-giving Law.
His strength, power, and grace are available and abundant to take, ingest, consume, savor.

So, savor Him.
Feast on His bread and wine.
Eat.
Even if you have no appetite.
Just eat.
Set the table.
Prepare your heart.
Make the effort.
Digest His good fruit.

Yes, taste the sweetness of His perfect, transforming scripture on your lips.
Then taste another.
Then another.
He is able to refresh you.
He came to restore.

When all you have left is one labored breath...
Don't panic.
Focus on that one, fragile breath filled with Jesus.
Focus all your heart, soul, mind, and strength on the Lover of your soul.
Then again.
Then again.
Rejoice... then again.

The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. (Genesis 2:7)

In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind. (Job 12:10)

As long as I have life within me, the breath of God in my nostrils, my lips will not speak wickedness, and my tongue will utter no deceit. I will never admit you are in the right; till I die, I will not deny my integrity. I will maintain my righteousness and never let go of it; my conscience will not reproach me as long as I live. (Job 27:3-6)

The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life. (Job 33:4)

In him was life, and that life was the light of men. (John 1:4)

Blessings!

~Victoria

© The Devoted Woman | Victoria Anderson