As followers of Jesus, we must continually be on guard to stay active in our faith. The frequent attacks of Satan, the Evil One, the Tempter, the Liar, the Devil can be elusive because we believe his untruths. They have been told to us before.
We strive to strengthen our relationship with Jesus but forget it is equally important we keep our guard up against Satan’s malicious intent.
It could be:
“I am ugly.” may stem from a childhood reflection in the mirror and continues throughout life.
Or “If you don’t shape up you will never amount to anything.” spoken to a teenager by a teacher or parent, Is now played over in her mind as “I can’t do this.”
Or “You would be pretty if you would lose weight.” Stated by so many well-meaning family or friends becomes the mindset of a girl battling an eating disorder.
Or you hear, “One more drink, cigarette, or drug won’t hurt. You can quit tomorrow.” Your resolve shattered by the tempter with a silent whisper.
Or any temptation, demeaning word, and unforgiveness that has the ability to slaughter your confidence.
Taking advantage of the slightest opportunity, the devil will plant the seed, feed it occasionally with more pain, just enough to keep it alive. Then on a perfectly beautiful day, he will cause it to re-generate producing pain, tears, and heartache.
As we sing along to “God is on the Move” on the car radio we also need to recognize that the Evil One is jitterbugging along the highway.
For many years, I lived in a false sense that I was protected from Satan’s malicious intent; focusing on my relationship with Jesus.
“Isn’t that enough?” a friend asked in Bible study.
“No, it is not,” I replied, pausing a few seconds to let the words soak in. “We are also at war with Satan.”
Defenses against the Evil One are simple: Worship and praise Jesus daily by reading God’s Word, pray about everything no matter how big or small and surround yourself with a network of Jesus followers to watch over you as you do the same for them. Be aware of negative thoughts and old tapes surfacing. Especially when we step out in faith or take action on God’s plan for us. Still, the vengeful deceiver will worm his way into our lives.
I have a battle cry that I say anytime I feel the hint of a demeaning thought.
“Not Today, Satan
Not Tomorrow,
Not Ever,
Satan, you are not wanted here. I am a beautiful child of my Heavenly Father. I obtain all my strength through him.”
Try saying that out loud, shaking your finger in the air in the satan’s direction. It gives the tempter notice you are ready to fight. Boosting your confidence in whom you belong. You feel better immediately.
We are at war, my friends. It is a silent war. Remember, we are warriors who have the advantage, Jesus has already won. But, that doesn’t mean we are not under attack. We are steadily on the lookout to clean up, prevent, protect, engage, as we strengthen our armor studying God’s word, in prayer with praise, worship, and thankfulness. We protect our family and friends from satan’s next assault. Our community with other Jesus followers will offer support, protection and strengthen our purpose. When one or two have your back, our battles are more manageable.
God’s voice calls you to Him. Satan’s whispers in your ear to rob, slaughter, and extinguish the blessings God has in store for us.
Are you ready to fight?
INCREASE YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Read John 10:10 in at least two Bible translations. One you usually read and others that may challenge you. (Recommendations: Good News – GNT, Message – MSG, New Living Translation – NLT, The Passion Translation – TPT, The Voice – voice)
Check your YouVersion Bible App, or online try BibleGateway.com for more translations.
What is one area of your life that you can see a lie Satan uses and the pain it has caused?
Has anyone spoken words over you or about you that Satan is using?
Can you identify at least one of God’s Truths to give you hope?
