- God loves us.
- The attacks will come.
1 Peter 5:8 - "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (NIV)
The attacks can come at any point. Usually they come at the times when we are flying the highest. Something great has just happened. Many of us walk around with that feeling of dread when something good does happen. Many of my friends refer to this as the "Waiting for the other shoe to drop" period.
God created us in his own image. It's almost as if he has given us an additional sense to know that the attacks will come.
But even though we know the attacks will come, the Word gives us several scriptures that let us know how to withstand those attacks.
1 Peter 5:7 - "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (NIV)
Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (NIV)
James 1:5 - "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." (NIV)
Romans 6:11-12 - "11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires." (NIV)
James 1:19-20 - "19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, 20 for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires." (NIV)
The attacks WILL come. The enemy seeks to kill, rob, and destroy (John 10:10). The enemy will make you doubt yourself. The enemy will strike at the heart. The enemy will work to turn you against others, against yourself, against God.
But we have a choice!!! We have the ability to change. We have the ability to ask God for his help, (see Acts 17:11 about donning the full armour of God). We have the ability to take our negative situations, thoughts, and deeds and transfer them into something powerful for the Glory of God.
Oh the attacks will come. But our great and glorious God has given us the ability, the armour, the willingness, and the love to make a choice that glorifies him and thus saves us.
When the attacks come. Stop - Pray - and if your heart is not right - Pray some more - and if it is still not right - Pray some more - then and only then, when you and God are in agreement - then act in a manner that brings glory to the Father.
We have a choice - we must exercise it.
Blessings to each of you this day. I am praying for each of you and I ask that you do the same for me. God loves you!!
Pastor Jim
It's important to remember that through our tests come our testimonies. Sometimes we feel like we've been tested too fiercely or that the test is too long, but there's purpose in our struggle. My dad always told me it's not whether or not you "win" an arguement, it's how you choose to argue that counts.
ReplyDeleteI totally disagree with the saying, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." I think the tough stand firm and don't reactively change who they are - don't doubt the goodness and godliness at their core - but remain undoubtedly "them" despite the attacks by others.
When we feel like we've been pulled and tried nearly to our breaking point, realize the unique opportunity to gather strength, lean on supports, and prove you and God together are above it. A rubberband is useless unless it's stretched. Some stretching just helps us solidify our purpose. I love you, Jim, you undoubtedly have my prayers!