So, we are constantly growing, and even though we may have learned a lesson, we can forget to apply it. Therefore, we are in a constant state of growth, as we learn to continue to lean in, to continue to apply what we’ve learned. It’s all a part of being diligent.
Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
1 Peter 5:8
As I’ve stated before, our enemy is not of the flesh. We do not war against this world & the people in it. We are battling the devil. But take heart, the Lord has overcome the devil and this world. As I learned in The Year of Great Loss, in the midst of my battle – God reminded me, tore the veil from my eyes, that it wasn’t Him I was fighting. The devil was coming after me, in spades. He was pulling out all the stops, but I just needed to stand fast in Jesus. I just needed to remember what side I was on, and call on the name of Jesus to help me through everything satan had in store. And He did. God brought me through all of that, to the other side. Brought me through stronger and more resiliant than I had ever been before.
So, here I am, a couple weeks ago, just living life. Feeling blessed, blessing others. Taking opportunities to share the gospel, to help others explore their faith, to get deeper. Just glowing in the spirit of the Lord. Loving life.
And, along came satan. He just jumped right in there, as a quick knock-down. I mean. He just jumped right in, and started messing me up. He went right after my ego. Used people around me to knock me down a few notches. Just stirred up all the anger and frustration and hate that was still in my heart. Like deep down in there, hiding. Didn’t even realize I still had any of that. He just knew exactly what to do, and who to use, to just mess me up. Woof! I was bent for days. I was so sideways about the situation, I just couldn’t even think straight. And, I had mis-stepped. I was over here mad at men, mad at the world, just backslid right into that old way of thinking. I mean, I was seeing red. It was ugly.
And, then, as I’m on my way to Bible Study, 6 days later. God took the veil off. Just swish, gone. Fell from my eyes like the scales of Saul. I was being spiritually attacked. As I stated, I was over here, sharing the gospel, loving life, blessing those around me. Things seemed to be going along pretty great. DUH! Of course, I’m all comfortable, over here, sharing the Word with people. And the devil just snuck right in. Dressed as a human, but saying all the perfect things that he knew would tear me down, and have me fit to be tied. In that moment, as I was on my way to Bible Study, all the hate just evaporated. I just shrunk. I was no longer this big, puffed up, hot mess – I was humbled and back to getting right with Jesus. He just air-dropped peace right into my soul. I also had the profound realization the next morning, that God uses these situations to continue to help refine us. That as we walk through the fires & tribulations of this life, that God uses it to help make us better people – when we lean on him.
Like I stated, I didn’t even know I was capable of being that upset anymore. I thought we had washed all of that out. That we had worked through that. But there it was, deep down in there. And when it reared it’s ugly head, I’ll admit, I lived there for a while. Just upset. Ten shades of bent. Absolutely beside myself. But then, when God removed that veil, I was like – “Whew!” and we got some more of that nasty, icky, world feelings out. God was like, “We don’t need this. This isn’t the answer. I’m the answer, and satan is the problem.” And, I was reminded – who we’re fighting against. I was reminded why we put the Armor of God on every day. Because satan’s just walking around in the shadows, waiting for whom he can devour. He’s just waiting to pounce. Waiting for an “in”. This is why we have to read our Bible. To have daily fellowship with Him. To turn to Him in prayer. Why we’re supposed to be constantly leaning in, and when the going gets tough, lean in harder. Because in moments like this, #Godshowedup. He was like, Stephanie, you have lived there long enough, you forget who you’re fighting. Of course, satan is going to attack you. He’s always lying in wait, especially when you’ve been trying to be a light. But, if you’re diligent, and vigilant, and continuously trying to grow your relationship with God, then God will come in and remind you – more like Jesus, less like you. Jesus understood who he was fighting, Jesus didn’t let himself get all caught up in the situation, he lived in the answer. And the answer is God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. I’m so grateful for my relationship with Him. That He was able to help me get through the situation, to help bless my heart and soul. To use the experience to help me purge some more of that pain and anger, so I can continue my walk to be more like Him, and less like me, every day.
So that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 1:7
Let’s Pray
Praise You Lord, that we are overcomers because of You. Thank you Father God, that you remove the veil from our eyes. That You bless us with the will & the strength to overcome. That you reveal the true enemy for what he is, and that you build us up, and use the fire to refine us. That you press out the impurities like grapes and make us a sweet, sweet wine to your lips. That you guide us, and protect us from the darts of the enemy. That you always give us the strength and the diligence and the understanding to overcome our trials because our trust is in you, O God. That you lift us up with your mighty right hand. That we may never fail. That we are always overcomers, and we are always victorious in you, O God. That you make us the head and not the tail. That we are forever growing and becoming a new creation in you. Thank you Father God, for all that you do for us, and that we may bless your name all our days. That You may enable us to forever shine your light, for all those around to see. That we are blessed in all that we say and do, and that we may exalt you, forever and ever. IN JESUS’ NAME!! AMEN!!
Walking in Faith 