Your enemy is not people, nor is it your past.
2 Corinthians 10:4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have the divine power to demolish strongholds.
Are you feeling pressed from all sides? What if I told you that the Lord is trying to get your attention?
There are seasons in our lives when we are perplexed. In those moments, our first response should be running into the arms of the Father for refuge. Sadly, that is often our last resort. We usually try to figure things out on our own. Without wisdom from God, we seek help from the wrong sources and get disappointed, leaving us in a worse condition.
I have been there more times than I can count. It is human nature to troubleshoot our way out of situations; however, as children of God, there is a better way. The enemy is not at fault for the circumstances we find ourselves in, nor the people who did not meet our expectations. Can we be honest with ourselves today? We are our enemies.
We lack the patience to seek the Lord for answers or to guide us to the people who do.
Luke 10:19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.
Child of God, to overcome, we must take full responsibility for the decisions that landed us in harm’s way. I have come to realise that I was, in fact, the obstacle to my progress. The people who disappointed me and the things I sought comfort in were not God’s plan. The quicker we accept that we are the ones who give license to the enemy or the Lord, the faster we will return to the Lord's feet to redirect our path.
The devil does not have the authority to convince us against our will. We have the power to overcome the enemy. It is our desires that move us. I was disappointed because of my will to run away from God rather than towards Him. Although God may use persons as a vessel, I failed to allow the Lord to guide me—accurate submission and surrender are demonstrated when our faith collides with God’s will. The enemy can only influence our emotions due to the condition of our hearts.
James 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
I have come to realise that I was, in fact, the obstacle to my progress. The people who disappointed me and the things I sought comfort in were not God’s plan. The devil does not have the authority to convince us either. We have the power to overcome the enemy or to give him the right to oppress us. We will always be disappointed when we walk outside the will of God.
Although God may use persons as vessels, it is our willingness to allow Him to guide us through submission and surrender. The enemy has likely been influencing our emotions, masking our bitterness, and manipulating our thoughts so that we do not focus on God. The enemy knows God loves us and won’t leave us hopeless. He will do the most damage while he has time. Here is the good news: the righteous fall seventy times seven, and we rise again. I feel like shutting right here. HALLEJAH!
Proverbs 24: 16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.
Aren’t you tired of running, yet?
I ran many times before I finally surrendered to God. Please let me encourage you today. Failure is not final; it is a stepping stone to victory. There is no better place than in the embrace of your Comforter to guide you to the right resource for what we need in times of distress. The oppression, stress, and pressures you feel are an indication that God is trying to get you to sit still long enough to hear His still, small voice.
If you feel like you’re running in circles, it’s time to respond appropriately. Control your flesh and stop reacting only to what you can see. Remember, Scripture reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood. It is against the spiritual authority in operation. Child of God, use your weapon to stop the enemy from stealing from you. Amid the chaos, speak with boldness and authority, BE STILL!
Talk to you soon!
