"Your enemy the devil prowls around
like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."
1 Peter 5:8
When I first read that verse (sometime last year), I was scared.
While I know that the devil attacks us, I never thought about him prowling around just looking for an opportunity to attack me. This verse sent chills up my spine. I did not like the idea that my enemy was "waiting in the shadows" (that's how I pictured it) and ready to attack at any time.
The positive outcome of reading that verse is that I became more aware of the devil's schemes. Up until the point that I read that verse for the first time (that I remember), I was unaware that my enemy was THAT determined to get me. I did not realize how shady he really is (pun intended).
I had a realization that it was easy for satan to devour me because I never saw him coming and often times had no idea where some of the attacks I felt were coming from.
I strongly believe that we are more capable and ready to stand firm against the spiritual forces of evil (see Eph. 6:20) when we are aware of the attacks and schemes of the powers of the dark world.
As long as we remain uneducated, it's easier for satan to have a stronghold and much easier for us to place blame on something or someone else.
Take a look back at something you can identify as an attack. At the time, on whom or on what did you cast blame?
* From what I understand, satan is not happy at all that you are taking this Bible study or even simply reading this blog entry. Some of the things going on in your life that are distracting you from doing your reading and answering the questions honestly... or spending time in prayer... and in the Word... could be an attack. Don't get me wrong, I realize that sometimes it's just not the right time; however, do not discount the power of the enemy to persuade you.
Here's help with discernment on that:
If the message of Breaking Free is really resonating with you and you are finding it difficult to keep reading because of the "issues" this is trudging up from your past... it is probably an attack from satan. I imagine he would like nothing more than to see you stay in bondage, and I know that he will put every excuse in the book in front of you to make you believe that you don't have time for this, or you don't need it, or life is just too busy to be spending time reading and then visiting this girl's blog.
If the message really doesn't move you, you're not feeling much "resistance" plus you're reading just because you're a Beth Moore fan... then this may not be the right time for you. Hold onto the book! : ) You may need this message another time. You may be fully aware of the devil's schemes and your own obstacles... please stay! Converse with us so we can glean from you!!!
Here's help with winning the fight:
Call on Jesus
Demons flee when you call on Jesus... the very atmosphere changes.
In the light of God's glory and grace... a lion loses it's courage... and we all know what happens when a lion loses its courage...
it cowers in the shadows and the effectiveness of its roar fades!
HALLELUJAH!!!!
I know some sisters who need covering today
Posts
How did you feel after reading Chapter 15?
ReplyDeleteHow do you feel after reading the blog?
What spoke to you?
How did you answer your study questions?
I'd love to hear from you!
I am bursting at the seams with the revelations and truths from this study, and I hope you are, too.
Even if you are not studying the book with us, please feel free to chime in!
Welcome back, Shelly! I must admit that I did not relate to Chapters 13-15. I was blessed with great parents. Yes, there were problems but not anything I angst over. But starting with Chapter 16, I recognize many lessons that took me a long time to learn. Take personal responsibility for your mistakes, admit them to yourself and to others, and you will see a glimpse of freedom. I learned that you disarm people when you admit that you made a mistake, thus making them sometime realize if you are wlling to put yourself out there, they should meet you there. Not always, but enough times to make me "Put myself out there." Ezekiel 18:31.
ReplyDeleteChapter 17 spoke volumes to me. Being older and realizing that today is so important, I welcome the chance to positively affect my children and grandchildren. I only wish I had been more active in studies like this when I was raising my children. I love seeing so many of you younger women searching for God and letting Him into your lives. Chapter 19 had some very powerful messages. 1. Shame is Satan's stamp of approval. Loved that! Makes you think 2. God's good from life's bad. This makes you have hope in tomorrow-makes you want to see what God can do with the hurt in your life. Chapter 20 held a gem of wisdom that also took me a long time to learn-Forgiveness means deferring the cause to Christ and DECIDING TO BE FREE OF THE ONGOING BURDEN OF BITTERNESS AND BLAME. Chapter 21 is a blessing I must share. When Bill died, I found myself surrounded by the love of my family and church family. I was blessed by those who reached out and would not take no for an answer. I was in Discipe IV and also preparing to be a Stephen Minister. I started thinking that I was blessed because Bill died! Talk about guilt. I finally realized that Bill's death allowed God to work through me to help others, This chapter affirmed this. I am so glad Beth added the Scripture Phil. 3:10- a Scripture that lifts me up. Now Chapter 22. If you have read this lengthy posting, thank you. If you have not read Chap. 22 you are in for why God gave Beth such a way with words, Live involves change and change involves loss. She give us this-EVERYTIME we suffer loss, we encounter an opportunity for the loss to bring gain for Jesus' sake by allowing His life to be revealed IN US.2Cor. 4:11. I remember when I was younger I hated change-give me a mudane day- to- day everything the same kind of day-no changes please. BUT we all know those changes are what life is all about. The life of a Christian is never about sameness. These "opportunties" to grow come as blessings from Christ to rise to a new life-one that daily leads us to be more like our Savior.
Thank you Lord for loving us so much that you give us all experiences-good and bad.
Great post Jan! I also thought that idea that shame is Satan's stamp of approval was right on target. The enemy has absolutely used this study to try and bring back those old hurts and many are still right below the surface, but I am just so glad for the opportunity to study together with the group and stand tall against the enemy. He is so insidious, deceitful,and destructive. I am relying on the power of prayer to move past those old hurts and long for the new joys of today and tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteYes, great post, Jan (Amen, JBM)! Thank you for your honesty and "life lessons." I gleaned so much from you! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI also appreciate you telling the story surrounding Bill's earthly death. What a beautiful example of how God takes our brokenness and turns it into a blessing! And, I have to AMEN your thoughts on change!
JBM, Thank you for sharing how the enemy has tried to use this study against you. He will do that! Good eye, girl! I am grateful that you are studying with us and sharing your insights. Keep praying... trade in your sorrows... the joy of the Lord is yours!