Yesterday, I didn’t even want to blog because I felt like my uncertainty and depressed attitude would cause people to judge me and say the infamous “I told you so”. However, after reading Habakkuk with Jake, I felt compelled to share my discouragement in hopes to not further entertain those deceptive thoughts.

Well, the Lord surely came through and Blessed Jake and I with encouragement! We had a flow of encouraging words and we enjoyed a great afternoon out with Debora and her mom. We laughed so much! Laughter truly mends the heart! In addition to the encouragement, this morning, He also provided a call to arms through my morning devotion. So, I share this call to arms with you…

Lord, Strengthen Me to Stand Against the Enemy

We are all involved in a spiritual battle with an enemy who will never let up. Even though it is people who do evil things to us, we have to keep in mind that it is our ultimate enemy, the devil, who is behind it. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12). Even when we are being attacked by a person, recognizing who our real enemy is will be the first step in standing strong against him.

Just as God has a plan for you, so does Satan. Satan’s plan is to steal from you and destroy your life. “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy” (John 10:10).  He disguises himself so that he doesn’t look threatening, and he lulls you into thinking that you are not in any danger (2 Corinthians 11:14). But he never takes a day off. He is constantly trying to see his plan for your life fulfilled. That’s why you have to “be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

Don’t be deceived! Read carefully…

Keep in mind that the greater your commitment is to the Lord, the more the devil will try to harass you. That’s why if you are moving into a deeper level of commitment to God, or coming into a new time of deliverance and freedom, entering into a new ministry or work God is opening up for you, you can depend on your enemy trying to stop it. He will do all he can to wear you down with discouragement, sickness, confusion, guilt, strife, fear, depression, or defeat.  He may try to threaten your mind, your emotions, your health, your work, your family, or your relationships. He will try to get you to give up. Even though he is not close to being as powerful as God, he attempts to make you think otherwise. He will try to gain a point of rule in your life through deception. He will try to blind you to the truth and get you to believe his lies. He will try to convince you he is winning the battle, but the truth is that he has already lost. HALLELUJAH!!!!

When I read this next part, it was like a power surge…

This is the deal. The devil has come to steal, kill, and destroy. Jesus has come to give you life abundantly. Hmm. Let’s see. Death and destruction from Satan. Life and abundance from Jesus. Does that mean if you’re not living a life of abundance then the devil must be robbing you? I think that’s a good possibility, especially since this is his life goal. The only other possibility is that you have not truly aligned yourself with God and are not living His way. Ask God to show you the truth about your situation. Don’t let the enemy of your soul talk you into accepting anything less than what God has for you.

God’s Promises to Us

The Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.
2 Thessalonians 3:3

When the whirlwind passes by, the wicked is no more, but the righteous has an everlasting foundation.
Proverbs 10:25

Be strong in the Lord and in the power of HIs might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Ephesians 6:10-11

– Excerpt from Power of Praying Woman – Stormie Omartian