Combat The Lies Of The Enemy
HELLO FRIENDS,
Can you relate to feeling stressed or emotionally burnt out? Odds are, we all have experienced these emotions before. I know when I become overwhelmed, it is easy to jump right into action to find a solution, while prayer can sometimes take a backseat as I work it all out. I’m sure you can tell where this leads, and it rarely leads me toward the plans and direction Christ has for my life.
Even though I know He is the solution, my emotions can take control if I’m not careful. I read a book recently that details the importance of taking a mental inventory of our minds. The author eloquently lays out tools based on biblical truths to combat the lies the enemy tries to use to hold us captive. Lies that “Divert you from your purpose, Distract you from God’s voice, and Destroys your potential.”
The enemy “diverts you from your purpose.”
James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” Seek his wisdom. God isn’t trying to trick you or leave you questioning. The best way to untangle the confusion you might have when seeking out your purpose is to be in daily relationship and constant communication with Him. Don’t confuse the two, these are not the same thing but both are vital to your spiritual health.
The enemy “Distracts you from God’s voice.”
1 Peter 5:8 tells us “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” When we carry around emotions that aren’t of the Lord we leave ourselves vulnerable to the enemy’s tactics. We must stay alert, aware, and on top of these feelings and surrender them before God. When we allow him to lead, we acknowledge He is in the driver’s seat of our life and our trust in him will guide us out of the emotional pit we find ourselves in.
The enemy “Destroys your potential.”
Our emotions and potential cannot be validated by the things of this world. When trials come our way it’s easy to become scared and live in fear but emotions like these are not what Christ wants for us. He wants us to experience Joy even in the most difficult of times. James 1:2-4 says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” Personally, joy isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when I’m walking through hard seasons in life but what if it was? What if I first chose to be thankful for the Lord’s hand that will lead me out of these times and then choose to be filled with the joy that comes from Him for the promises he gives me for what’s to come? Would that lead to chaos or would it begin to calm the storm behind the emotions I’m feeling?
Life is full of emotions and it’s your choice to determine who is in control of them. Are you or are you letting God?
Blessings,
Lorena Akerman
Children Pastor