As I sat with the Lord today, I heard Him remind me, “Every step towards freedom is fiercely opposed.” There has never been a truer statement. Your enemy, the devil, roams around seeking who he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8) Not mess with, not irritate, but devour!
Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a pathway girl. God revealed to me the word “paths” all throughout Scripture and I believe that there is a very specific pathway God has for each of us to journey with Him.
The ultimate and universal pathway for all of us is Christlikeness. (2 Corinthians 3:18) To look, live, and lead like Jesus was the original way we were all created and the Bible as a whole is the journey back to that place. I believe it is the only way you can be happy, fulfilled and free.
I also believe that we each have a very personal purpose. (Ephesians 2:20) If you are breathing, God has impact and influence for you on the lives of others. As my Mama said when I had a horrible car accident in high school, “God left you on this earth for a reason; you need to figure that out and do it with all of your heart.”
So if satan knows the seeds of greatness that is in you, and the impact your life could make on others, he certainly is afraid of you discovering your value and purpose! And every step you make towards your purpose, towards your freedom in Jesus, will be fiercely opposed by Him.
That’s why the Word of God says for us not to be unaware of the devil’s schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11). He is a liar and the father of lies with no truth in him (John 8:44) Paul encouraged us in Ephesians 6 to put on the armor of God every day.
If you have something exciting that is coming your way, like we have with The Deeper Retreat coming in 3 weeks, you can almost guarantee the enemy will try to detour you, distract you, and devour you.
There’s a story in the Bible about Peter walking on the water. He gazed at the waters around him and he began to sink. When the enemy comes against us, we must never take our eyes off of Jesus. Instead of gazing at the world and glancing at God, we must Gaze at God and glance at the problems.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace. (Hymn by Helen Lemmel)
Remember that the devil uses lies and doubt, but Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil with truth and grace. So for every lie, there is truth, and where there is doubt God offers us grace. He is faithful. Put on your armor daily. And keep your eyes focused on Jesus.
You are loved,
Jena
Register now for The Deeper Retreat, November 12-13 at Shocco Springs in Talladega, AL. For more info and to register:
yes yes yes! Satan is scared of us!!! There is a mighty movement of the Lord in place!
Don’t you love how the Father is so intimate with us to affirm things like this to us so we know it is Him??? I love Him so much!
God Keeps bringing that song to my heart and mind! Thank you for that reminder :)