The world we live in today is not Heaven. I know, the understatement of the century. However, we don’t want to forget that we begin our eternal life, the minute we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior. We don’t wait until Heaven to start living with Jesus.
Unfortunately, we have Satan to contend with here in this world too. This is tricky because He shows up in ways that we don’t expect, and through people we love,E and situations that are important to us.
We have to stay on guard and consistently pray for God’s wisdom and discernment. Satan will jump in and tell us:
- our husband no longer thinks we are beautiful and is disinterested in us.
- that we cannot be successful in business if we are clinging to our self-righteous Christian values.
- we are terrible at our job and incompetent when the pink slip is handed to us.
- or that God doesn’t trust us with a child when we have another negative pregnancy test.
The lies Satan tells us damage our focus on growing God’s Kingdom because we become distracted, distraught, or feel incompetent for God to use us in any way.
People ask me all of the time “What should I do when I don’t know what to do?” Really! It may come out as “What do I do to fix my relationship with my spouse.” Or, “What do I do to turn my business around?”
But, in reality we are wondering what to do when we don’t know what to do!
Every situation is different, but in all situations we need to focus our attention and efforts on our relationship to God. No matter what the topic, when I am unsure of my next steps, my opinion, or my path, I don’t just throw the plate of spaghetti against the wall and see what sticks. I move toward God.
Of course, it is ironic that when we need to move towards God most, we tend to be distracted from Him. That is why I try to remember the history of our relationship.
When problems arise, I seek God. Historically, it has always made all of the difference. I am not saying that if I seek God He supernaturally solves my problem or delivers my hearts desire on a silver platter. That isn’t the case at all. Everything does change though. I feel His presence. I find the peace I can’t find on my own. And in time, the right path emerges.
Over the years I have learned to be more patient. But, Satan knows that isn’t my strong suit:
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10: 10
I have to keep this verse top of mind. I have to remember Satan’s role and Jesus’ promises.
Some of you may be like me and you don’t like to be a sitting duck for Satan’s exploits. I have always been somewhat of a fighter.
Not only do we have the God of the Universe as a supporter, He also gives us so many other tools and resources. We have His Word to gain knowledge and wisdom. He gives us His Holy Spirit to help us to understand His Word and to guide us in our daily living. We are blessed with the skills and talents He creates in us and His believers are the recipients of the gifts of the Spirit. Even with all of these resources, He doesn’t stop there. We also have the supernatural Armor of God to put on to do battle in His name as a Christian living as an alien in this world.
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Ephesians 6:10-18
I love this because I imagine Satan hates it. I pray through these verses regularly when I feel under attack. Not only do I have God’s promises to lean on, but I have his armor to put on as protection!
How about you? How do you fight off Satan’s stronghold and stay close to Jesus day to day?
