Attack

In the last couple of weeks, I have felt the attacks on my faith.  It has not been persecution where I'm being stoned or my house is being burned down for what I believe in, but it is the attack where I know Satan feels is most effective on me.  It is those underhanded ambushes, the covert operations, or sneak attacks when I least expect them.  However, I know that this is when I need to be the most on guard.  I am led to 1Timothy 4:2, "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction."  I know that God is speaking to me about two specific incidents in the last few weeks, times where I know that I should have taken a greater stand, to have corrected, then rebuked when necessary, and then to encourage.  However, looking at the two incidents, I know that I will definitely need lots of patience and to be grounded in the Word to provide sound instruction.