In large transitions of our lives, it is easy for the enemy, more well known as, Satan, to tear down what has been built up in our faith. In times such as going from high school to college, from college to the real world, or marriages, people are vulnerable to changes. Theres nothing wrong with changing, but in which direction we change greatly affects our lives. We, as Christians, are all solid spiritual houses, storing the knowledge of Gods words and His power in our lives. We all carry a testimony of His goodness, we all witnessed or felt a portion of His love for us. Thus, these are our treasures in our hearts, and what the enemy seeks to do during large transitions in our lives is rob from our houses, by robbing from our hearts. The enemy cant harm us directly, but by taking away our passion for God, throwing things that seem more desirable than Gods gifts, giving us new knowledge that seem more believable and sensible than Gods words, we are slowly robbed of our faith that was being built up within us. When we are robbed by the enemy, we lose focus. We start to fall away from God. We eventually forget about His grace and His amazing power. And soon enough, we forget what it was like to actually know God. As long as we are alive, we are never out of the enemys path. That is why we are warned in 1 Peter 5:8-9, Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of suffering. We must protect the word of God that live inside of us. As it is written, our bodies are a temple of God, a house with many spaces within. Jesus gave us a parable, showing that our bodies are like a house in Luke 11:21-26. In verse 24-25, it says: When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, I will return to the house I left. When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. Swept clean and put in order, doesnt imply that the man was purified. Let us consider how the evil spirit would ever come out from within a man. When we fill our houses, the spaces in our hearts, with God, with His Word, His Spirit, then the enemy cant stay, much less survive within. That is why, it leaves. Yet, when it comes back, it sees that this mans heart was swept clean...empty of any threats to the enemy, any discomfort that will keep the enemy away. Thus, the enemy returns with more wicked spirits and the condition of the man is worse than the first. For this reason, in order to practically resist the enemy, we must fill our heart with Godly things. And how do we do this? It may not be simple but discipline and constant prayer will help. Here are three practical ways to do so. 1. Know the Will of God. We all have an individual will from God, a special purpose He designed us for. Yet, God also has given all His children a message of His will. It comes from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22: Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is Gods will for you in Christ Jesus... Yes, it is difficult. In our lives, we dont always have a reason to be joyful. Yet, it is commanded that we be joyful. There are times when we dont want to pray. Yet it is commanded, to pray continually, not just morning and night, to constantly have a connection with the Lord. Giving thanks in all circumstances may seem impossible, but doing so sets our heart right before the Lord. One step to practically fight the enemy is to do the will of God. 2. Stop Complaining Complaining is like you grabbing a hammer and creating a crack in a wall of your house. It may not seem big at first, but as you continue complaining you release from within fears, doubts, and anxieties that grow like a weed. Instead of killing the doubts and fears, we feed it by complaining. Soon enough, that crack grows and discouragements comes in and the lies of the enemy starts to replace the truth of Gods word. All of these doubts and anxieties all push Gods words away from our hearts, as we forget them. As it is written in Luke 8:14, The seed (word of God) that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are chocked by lifes worries, riches, and pleasures, and they do not mature. 3. Dont be deceived by what doesnt give you hope. While God comes to give us hope, the enemy will always come to take away our sense of hope. Do not be deceived, because the enemy is cunning and will not always come face on with discouragements. Some will be in the form of what seems to be right, what seems to be true, and what seems to be good for us. Some movies, professor lectures, television programs, gossip, crude jokes, and other peoples complaint are all just some ways the enemy could relay his lies. No matter how fun and entertaining what we do may be at the moment, once you are done with the conversation or time, you do not come with a sense of hope or enouragement. Most likely you will feel a little bitter about certain people, maybe life itself will seem like a joke. This is not about make yourself feel good kind of instruction. We must pack or start growing characters of God and give others the same Hope and reassurance that God gave you. It is our duty to reflect Gods light, and how can we do this when we ourselves are filling our lives with superficial and meaningless things that are sucking away the life within our hearts. So let us look to God for the truth and for His light and Wisdom. So, there you have it. Let's fill ourselves with God and more of God. Let's not give an inch of space to the enemy within ourheart. Look to Gods will and follow His guidance, and also, have Faith. God will fight for us. He is stronger than the enemy. In every battle, let's call unto the Lord and He shall come to ourrescue. In your times of hopelessness, remember all that God has done for you, all He has given you, and remember Jesus Christs sacrifice and resurrection. Let's also pray also for your brothers and sisters, interceding as Jesus is continually doing for all of us. Let's walk in His light, knowing that God himself will ensure that we will be victorious in the Lord with the power of His Holy Spirit. God bless you. (May All the Glory be given unto Him. Amen.) |
