"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
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