Satan is in the business of trying to discourage you.
If you are saved and focused on living for Jesus, you ought to be continuously aware of this. Do you think the devil is happy about your decision to serve God? Of course not, and until you draw your last breath he won't give up trying to steer you away from the narrow path. "The Screwtape Letters" by C.S Lewis gives a vivid illustration of how Satan sets about doing this. I strongly suggest that you check it out.
Once you become aware of this fact (that Satan is relentlessly on your case), then you must continuously remind yourself of another fact: Jesus loves you. This truth is a powerful source of encouragement. Several parables in the Bible show us how precious every single soul is to God. Christ died for you as an individual, He longs for you uniquely. So the next time Satan tries to discourage you with thoughts of unworthiness or insufficiency, think about the prodigal son and his father's open arms. All you need to do is run into them.
As a Christian I have identified two main reasons why we can get discouraged in our walk with God; sinful behavior and unanswered prayers.
These two things have caused many to walk away from the faith and so should not be taken lightly. The most effective way to address both cases is by using Scripture. The Word of God is indeed our Sword and Jesus Himself used it when He was tempted by Satan.
SINFUL BEHAVIOR
Unfortunately, after we get born-again all the sin in our lives doesn't just immediately vanish. In fact for most people it takes a while to be delivered from many sinful habits. As we grow in our relationship with Jesus however, there is no doubt that we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to overcome the sin in our lives. Still, sometimes there is sinful behavior that stubbornly refuses to go. We find ourselves falling, experiencing deep shame and disappointment in ourselves, and questioning God's forgiveness in our repentance. We start thinking thoughts like "Am I really saved if this still has a hold on me?"
1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." NKJV
Finding and memorizing Bible verses like the one above can be of great help. When Satan feeds our minds with negative, discouraging thoughts, we should speak such verses in faith. There is no limit to God's mercy or forgiveness. As long as we are truly sorry and repentant, we can be assured that He will not turn His back on us.
UNANSWERED PRAYERS
"Is God really there?"
There are also those times when we question the reality and the presence of God because we pray earnestly and yet receive no answer. Due to unpleasant circumstances we sometimes find ourselves in, we begin to wonder if God really hears and if He even cares. Satan can orchestrate such situations to frustrate us and tempt us to ultimately reject God. Think about Job's story. Do not be ignorant of the devices of the devil, he is one crafty son of a gun. Do you think Eve was the last person he deceived?
James 1:2-4 "My brethren count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." NKJV
Read verses like the one above and be encouraged. 1 Peter 1:6-7 further affirms that tough times are not necessarily a sign of God's alienation but more often than not they are used by God to strengthen our faith.
So be encouraged!
Run the Christian race with endurance, focusing on the finish line (Hebrews 12:1-2). Do not let Satan steal that from you. Christ is rooting for you and this world's struggles are indeed nothing compared to what awaits you at the end.
If you are saved and focused on living for Jesus, you ought to be continuously aware of this. Do you think the devil is happy about your decision to serve God? Of course not, and until you draw your last breath he won't give up trying to steer you away from the narrow path. "The Screwtape Letters" by C.S Lewis gives a vivid illustration of how Satan sets about doing this. I strongly suggest that you check it out.
Once you become aware of this fact (that Satan is relentlessly on your case), then you must continuously remind yourself of another fact: Jesus loves you. This truth is a powerful source of encouragement. Several parables in the Bible show us how precious every single soul is to God. Christ died for you as an individual, He longs for you uniquely. So the next time Satan tries to discourage you with thoughts of unworthiness or insufficiency, think about the prodigal son and his father's open arms. All you need to do is run into them.
As a Christian I have identified two main reasons why we can get discouraged in our walk with God; sinful behavior and unanswered prayers.
These two things have caused many to walk away from the faith and so should not be taken lightly. The most effective way to address both cases is by using Scripture. The Word of God is indeed our Sword and Jesus Himself used it when He was tempted by Satan.
SINFUL BEHAVIOR
Unfortunately, after we get born-again all the sin in our lives doesn't just immediately vanish. In fact for most people it takes a while to be delivered from many sinful habits. As we grow in our relationship with Jesus however, there is no doubt that we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to overcome the sin in our lives. Still, sometimes there is sinful behavior that stubbornly refuses to go. We find ourselves falling, experiencing deep shame and disappointment in ourselves, and questioning God's forgiveness in our repentance. We start thinking thoughts like "Am I really saved if this still has a hold on me?"
1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." NKJV
Finding and memorizing Bible verses like the one above can be of great help. When Satan feeds our minds with negative, discouraging thoughts, we should speak such verses in faith. There is no limit to God's mercy or forgiveness. As long as we are truly sorry and repentant, we can be assured that He will not turn His back on us.
UNANSWERED PRAYERS
"Is God really there?"
There are also those times when we question the reality and the presence of God because we pray earnestly and yet receive no answer. Due to unpleasant circumstances we sometimes find ourselves in, we begin to wonder if God really hears and if He even cares. Satan can orchestrate such situations to frustrate us and tempt us to ultimately reject God. Think about Job's story. Do not be ignorant of the devices of the devil, he is one crafty son of a gun. Do you think Eve was the last person he deceived?
James 1:2-4 "My brethren count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." NKJV
Read verses like the one above and be encouraged. 1 Peter 1:6-7 further affirms that tough times are not necessarily a sign of God's alienation but more often than not they are used by God to strengthen our faith.
So be encouraged!
Run the Christian race with endurance, focusing on the finish line (Hebrews 12:1-2). Do not let Satan steal that from you. Christ is rooting for you and this world's struggles are indeed nothing compared to what awaits you at the end.
God bless you for sharing this encouraging word.
ReplyDelete