Recap: Last week we looked at beating the bully. To clarify the bully is Satan and his discouraging wily ways to bring disheartenment, disillusionment and depression, with the ultimate goal of causing us to shut down, walk away from faith and hide in the ways of our flesh. He is quite sneaky in his approaches, trying different doors of our soul to undermine our faith in the goodness of God’s character and our place in God’s kingdom.
Recognizing the bully attack is the first step in winning against him. But he is relentless so a one time victory does not mean that he will not try again. So we must be on alert. Ephesians 6:10-11 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. NLT One of his strategies (or wiles) as the King James Version says, is to make you think you are weak and helpless, which leads to hopelessness and depression. My dear friends, we are neither because our strength comes from Him. Basic warfare 101 is to find the lie and counteract it with the truth. His word is truth. As you seek the truth and choose to stand in that truth, we must know Satan must flee from you. Feeling alone and worthless? Choose to believe Deuteronomy 31: 8 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you or forsake you. Be not afraid, do not be discouraged. Do not let the feeling of discouragement run your life.
I admit there have been some major discouraging things happening in my life. But, even though I have felt discouraged I have chosen to make a stand against it. Outwardly, not much has shifted, but my perspective has. Putting on the helmet of salvation, which covers my head and its vulnerability. When a soldier prepared for battle, the last thing he put on was his helmet. I think, sometimes as believers, we forget this vital part of the armor of God. 2 Corinthians 10:5 declares we can destroy arguments every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. I realized a truth when reading this scripture, that the ultimate design Satan’s purpose is to get us to disobey the Lord. By undermining our confidence in the Lord and His ways, we will find ourselves shying away from His will, purpose, and plan. By focusing our thoughts on ourselves, magnifying our weaknesses and inabilities our faith becomes anemic. This is all a lie of course.
Battling the bully is something all of God’s people must do. Take action my friends. Renew your mind as needed. What is the truth? You are valuable to His kingdom. Take authority over any doubts that would seek to challenge the truth of God’s Word. Hebrews 11:6 declares that he is a rewarder of those that diligently seek him. That includes you and me! As we persevere, we will grow stronger in our faith and do the exploits He promises His people will accomplish!
Stand strong in the Lord, my friends, even when you are feeling shaky. Read through Hebrews 11 and the heroes of our faith who have gone on before. Do not let the bully tell you that you are not important, because that is a lie. The whole body of Christ needs each of us standing in our place, armored up fighting, not only our battle but those of our brothers and sisters.
Refresh your memory of Philippians 4:7: And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Walk in His peace, my friends. Do not let Satan steal it from you.
Father, I ask that you help us fight against the bully of our souls. You have given us tools to do us. You have not left us powerless or friendless. We are so grateful for your word. I ask you to strengthen everyone who is in a long-term battle. May they be refreshed today with your power and might. Help us adjust our perspective from victim to victor no matter what things look like or feel like, In Jesus Name. Amen.
Faith Encounters 