Don't Give In!

Have you ever had a time when you knew Satan was attacking you with lies and discouraging thoughts, but you were too weak to fight back? Too tired to even care if he pervaded your thoughts with deception? Deep down inside you probably knew it was wrong to give in to those thoughts. Actually, it's quite unlike our natural sinful self to fight against this propensity for self-indulgence. Why else would God tell us to

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world." 1 Peter 5:8-9

 Apparently it's common to all of the human race to give in to the deceits of Satan. I just had this happen recently to me! I was super worn-out and all I could think of were unrighteous thoughts about myself and other people. Satan noticed this bad attitude on my part and used this small window of opportunity to drag me further down. It was then that he started building on the small deceptions in my mind and elaborating my dreadful thoughts. The sad thing was, I knew he was doing it! I just felt as if I didn't have the strength to fight back.

So what do we do in those situations?

Well, look back to what we just read. One way to resist the devil even when we're feeling overwhelmed is to remember that thousands of other Christians are having to do the same thing! You're not alone. Sometimes the fact of doing something with a person (or at least knowing that someone else is going through the same thing) is a comfort and even creates a sense of renewed determination.

In 1 Peter 5:7-9, the Bible says "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." This one verse is a tremendous help for anyone fighting the devil. When you're worn-out and beat-up, you have an advocate with Jesus. He'll never let you down! He will share your burden...He will walk the whole way with you.

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:10-11