Who's your enemy?

While a friend was praying for me today, the Lord brought to my memory that when we’re taking ground for Him, the enemy will attack us where we have been injured the most in our lives, simply because he knows what is most painful to us.  He pulls out all stops to try to keep us from doing God's will. If he can get our focus off of Jesus and onto the pain that we're enduring, he can keep us from moving forward for the Lord.

Keep in mind that, so often, without people realizing it, they allow the enemy to work through them…or us…myself included.  Ephesians 6:12 tells us that it’s not flesh and blood that we wrestle with, but principalities, powers and the rulers of the darkness of this age.  ( Ephesians 6:12 NKJV - For we do not wrestle against flesh and - Bible Gateway )  It’s not people who are the enemy; it’s the enemy working through others. It’s important that we remember this when we are attacked in this way.

Like many of you, I have been rejected many of times in my life.  My first memory of rejection happened around age 3 by my grandma.  As I take aggressive steps forward for what I believe to be God’s will for my life, rejection as well as other things that plagued my childhood, spring forward quickly and strongly through others.  Now I wish that I could tell you that I’ve always handled these attacks well, but I would be a liar if I did.  Even now, when knowing what I know about the enemy and his ways, I don’t always respond in the best way.  I must say I’m grateful for friends who understand this and are willing to hear what’s on my heart and pray with me.  Ultimately, I’m grateful for the Holy Spirit for His willingness to continue to lead me, guide me, and like today...remind me of things that I’ve already been taught, but needed to be reminded.  This strengthens my mind and spirit.  Of course, praising and worshipping the Lord is always the best way to get your eyes off of yourself and back onto Jesus.

Another of the challenges of these attacks is to be kind to those who unknowingly cause pain.  In the majority of these situations, I’m positive that the folks causing pain don’t realize they’re even doing it.  Knowing this and continuing to treat them with love and kindness is another challenge all its own.

Since I’ve experienced this so much in my life, I am ultra aware of what I do and say to others.  I don’t want to be one to deliver pain to another person through the words of my mouth.  I ask myself if what I have to say to others is truly necessary and what my motives are.  If I have any doubt whatsoever, I choose not to speak.

I hope that sharing the challenges of my life help you in some way.  Jesus never said that following Him would be easy.  But, I totally and completely believe that living my life to be pleasing to God is definitely worth it.  When I look back on my life, see where I once was and where I am now, I am encouraged and strengthened for the road ahead…the road to being all that God created me to be.