Spiritual Warfare

It is now five days in counting until I go to Africa. All the clothes are picked out coordinating to the days we want to wear them, which is a huge surprise because I am not an organized person.  We all are ready to go and serve. We are excited we are filled with the joy of the Lord and are ready to get on that plane!!! It is during these important weeks before the trip where we have all experienced something that I personally do not think I have experienced before. It is called spiritual warfare. in the dictionary this is what it says about spiritual warfare "Spiritual warfare is the Christian concept that the Devil and demons attempt to thwart Good and the will of God." I did not know before these weeks what it was. I knew the definition but, I had never experienced it. I really realized these past weeks that the devil does NOT want my family and Katie to go to Africa at all. I have been tempted more than I have in years to argue with and disobey my family. I have even thought at times "Am I even ready to do this?" and, now I realize that was the devil he wants me to think that I'm not ready for this, he wants me to argue with my parents and disobey them and fight with my brother.  Satan wants to create division between us. A couple days ago my mom was in a car wreck. He arm got hurt and so did her chest. Her knee is now starting to hurt as well and I know for a fact it is the devil. My dad is also having some issues with his health. Spiritual warfare is not just a thought, a definition. Spiritual Warfare does not just mess with you mentally it can mess with you physically. Through all of these trials we must still praise the Lord. I also did not understand this verse until now, "Consider it pure joy my brothers when you face trials of many kinds."James 1:2, That means that when these things happen that I am supposed to praise the Lord! And I do not have to be afraid! Because the battle is the Lords and He is on my side. So why do I fear? Through this God has encouraged me because, I know that He wants to do something amazing! and, he just happens to choose me. I am humbled at the fact! He chooses all of us as His warriors! I am very excited for God's plan!