Truth or Lies

I know it’s been a while since I last wrote. I have missed reaching out to you.  You see, I’ve just gone through a rough patch. The post-holiday blues and the short cold days of winter got to me more than usual.  Maybe you can relate.  During this time, I have wrestled spiritually more than usual.  I have had to preach to myself a lot to get me through this.  I’d like to share some of the wrestling that has gone on in my soul; hopefully this may help you when you face similar soul struggles.

I hear the devil whisper, “if God really loved you, you wouldn’t be suffering.  He must not care or maybe you’ve done something wrong and He’s punishing you”.  But God tells me, “Resist the devil, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”

When the devil said to me, “you’re not good enough, you’re not smart enough, you’re not talented enough, you’re just not enough”,  God told me “You are My child.  I am able to do immeasurably more than all you ask or imagine, according to My power that is at work within you.”

The devil taunted, “what you do doesn’t make a difference in the world – it’s like spitting in the ocean.  Why bother?”.  God reminded me, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.  You are My handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which I prepared in advance for you to do.”

The devil tells me often, “you need to worry, life is overwhelming and your life is spinning out of control”.  God constantly whispers, , “Cast all your anxiety on Me because I care for you. I will never leave you nor forsake you. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the I will be with you wherever you go.”

The devil sometimes tells me, “nobody cares about what you say, you shouldn’t waste your time writing your blog”.  God reminds me, “encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.“

Perhaps you’re thinking that I’m giving the devil too much credit.  Or maybe you think there is no such thing as the devil.   I think that he wants you to believe those things so that his work will be much easier.  The Bible is clear that he is active in this world.

“Be sober, be watchful! For your adversary, the Devil, like a roaring lion, goes about seeking someone to devour. Resist Him, steadfast in the faith” (1 Peter 5:8-9).

“Satan himself disguises himself as an angel of the light” (2 Cor.11:14)

“But I fear lest, as the serpent seduced Eve by his guile, so your minds may be corrupted and fall from a pure devotion to Christ” (2 Cor. 11:3).

“Indeed what I have forgiven – if I have forgiven anything – I have done for your sakes, in the person of Christ, so that we may not be defeated by Satan; for we are not unaware of his schemes” (2 Cor. 2: 10-11).

Although we need to be aware of the devil’s nearly constant harassment, we also need to remember that Christ has won the battle.  And we can battle for one another in prayer.  I am praying for you that God would strengthen you in your faith, fill you with His Spirit, and give you joy and peace every day of our journey to Heaven.

Much love, Angie