I Hate This Table

I have a story that reminds me often of a time I felt stuck with no way to make a change. As simple as this story is, and as funny as this story is, it is rooted in a sad truth that most people in this world experience daily with deeper aches and pains that come from the lies and burdens of this world, and of Satan. Let me share my story and then unpack it!

Years ago I had bought a simple high top square table that fit four. It was perfect for me because I was living by myself in a 850 sq foot, 1bed/1bath apartment in Denver. Shortly after the purchase I moved back to LA and moved in with my boyfriend (now my husband) and his son. It worked for a bit, but at some point we ended up pushing the table into a corner and hardly would use it. I remember staring at the table from the living room often and would say, “ I hate that table”. I don’t know what it was but I really hated that table. It felt awkward in our space, we never used it, and it took up space! Daily I would stare at that table, and think “I hate that table!” This went on for years! It never crossed my mind that I could get rid of that table and get a new one. I was stuck with that table, and that table was stuck with me! Maybe I felt, I can’t afford a new table, it’s a stupid idea, what’s wrong with this table?, we should be using this table, why don’t we use this table? I have no idea, but I was stuck thinking this is as good as it’s going to get! One day, maybe it was God I heard, “ Just get a new table!” It was the first time I actually had the eye opening thought of yea! I’ll just get a new table, one that we can all use as a family, use as a work desk, and gather our friends around. It was outrageous and brilliant! A new table, who knew that could actually be done! Silly right? What was all that about? I sold my table for $100, and bought a nice long wooden table for $400 from Facebook Marketplace (killer deal!) and we still have the same table to this day, and I LOVE THAT TABLE! We’ve used the heck out of that table and it’s still in great condition. We use it for family dinners, work, work meetings, family gatherings, hosting dinners, and more! It’s a great table!

So lets unpack this…

This is where a lot of people live their lives…STUCK. Stuck with feeling there’s no other way, this is just it! This is a classic reoccurring strategy of the enemy, Satan. His motive in our lives is to John 10:10 “kill, steal, and destroy”. His mission is to bring you down, keep you feeling stuck, and keep you from living the abundant life that God has planned for you. Ephesians 3:20 “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us”. Imagine what this means! God has immeasurable plans for our lives, he has nothing but unconditional love for us, and wants to see us succeed humbly for His glory! We all have choices in life, it’s one thing God made very clear in Genesis when he gave Adam his one and only rule, to not to eat from the tree of knowledge. Satans plan is to ultimately deceive us of God’s good plans and truth for our lives, leading us from trusting God into trusting oursleves. When we start believing Satans lies, we then usually act on them and then fall into his trap, and it’s a hard trap to get out of when we solely believe, “this is what it is”. This could be an addiction, an idea, a flaw, past trauma, a dream, a goal, it’s unlimited! Satan now has you questioning God’s goodness as he slowly puts doubt into your mind where you are now lacking the confidence in God, so it’s you, on your own, your own efforts, good luck! Being a believer in Christ we understand that we cannot do anything on our own, but with God’s help we can! John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” But still, the world is fallen, and it’s easy to be misled. When you are misled, you are left defenseless and open to attack, you are now STUCK. You also are now in place where you believe it can’t get any better, thoughts like, I’m doomed, this is just how it’s going to be, maybe I deserve this, I can’t change, this is just who I am, poo poo attitude! Satan has really run a number on you, and you have just accepted his offer to give up and believe his lie. I have worked very hard at rejecting the negative thoughts in the name of Jesus, and let me tell you something…it works! Claim it, believe in it, speak it, “ I reject that thought in the name of Jesus!” We must put on the full armor of God daily to protect our minds, our hearts, and our souls or we will be easy targets for Satan to run us down into the ground. Listen! You can create change anytime you want! If you're stuck, ask the Lord for help, he is ready and willing to help you, but you must surrender, ask, and trust Him. Here’s an empowering reminder Romans 8:31 “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” God is with you and He is for you, do not let Satan take a seat next to you on your life journey, tell Him, Matthew 16:23 “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns”, because this is your one and only life you get here on earth, and you will not permit, give clearance, or any authority to his disastrous ways for your life. If you hate that table, get rid of it and start a new! Ask God to remind you to stay firm in His truth when times feel uncertain, when you feel stuck, lost, or broken. Give God permission to be the great commissioner in your life, and know that He wants great things for you. Trust Him and walk by faith, take the authority He has given you through the Holy Spirit and use it to guide you in your earthly walk and align it with His plans for your life. You’re never too far gone, and you’re never really stuck. Do not rely on your own self to “help yourself”, rely on your creator who has a beautiful life for you in this life time, and when this life is over. Continue asking for His help daily, and allow those who surround you to reflect the image of Jesus so that you may stay on the path God has intentionally and creatively planned for you. God is good, and He loves you! AMEN