A Post From The Past
For this week’s post, I’ve rifled through some old files and found this little gem from 15 years ago.
I have found myself on my toes this week. For various reasons, my main sources of accountability are all unavailable. This has none the less heightened my sense of awareness of any attacks brought on by the evil one (a.k.a. “the loser”) and his crew. Many times during the day I have found old fears or misguided thoughts arising in my head but, due to this awareness I have found it tremendously easier just to turn it around and say “Sorry buddy, no victories here. Not today. Not ever.” “Is that the best you’ve got? Please, spare me!(haha)”.
These little things tend to be the main line of attack in our lives. Satan knows that if he can get a foothold in our life through a seemingly innocent slip of the tongue or a fragment of anger beginning within us, he can get our focus off of God. Since Satan has already lost us in the end, he prefers us to remain treading water in our spiritual lives. Not swimming in the streams of God’s glory.
Sometimes we may slip up and give in to that temptation. Satan begins celebrating but only too early. For although we slip, God has helped us to overcome that temptation far longer than we have ever lasted. Satan doesn’t get the victory here. Oh, no. God is the victor. It is through our weakness that God shows His strength. For the next time we face the temptation, we will be able to stand even stronger knowing God is there with us, guiding our every step. When we feel discouraged God is there to comfort us.
I don’t claim to know what tomorrow holds, but I know this is true. Satan can try to claim as many victories as he wants. But I’ve read the last part of the book and guess what! HE LOSES!!!
So don’t let Satan have control of your life. Don’t let him haunt you with your past mistakes. Don’t let him constantly nag you with your past failures because God’s grace is far greater than anything any of us have ever done. So the next time you find yourself outraged over trivial matters, recognize the source and just banish it. Next time that old way of thinking starts creeping up on you, take that thought captive to the obedience of Christ. It’s time to decide here and now that Satan will get NO VICTORIES in our lives. God can give us the power to send “that old wind bag” packing. As God’s children we don’t have to put up with it. And the more we allow God the victory, the easier it will be next time.
7-11-02 DPH
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