When you are a true believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, you understand the reality that the enemy is out to get you. The enemy will do whatever it takes to saturate spiritual power and authority from your life. He is not at all out to kill you, because that would simply send you home to be with the Father. Instead, our “adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walkers about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8 KJV). The devil is out to destroy you from making an impact in this world. He will do whatever it takes to make you sink into depression and fear. If he can keep you down and keep you from allowing the Holy Spirit to do His will through your life; then, in his mind, he has won.
Satan knows exactly what we used to struggle with and what we currently struggle with. We all are enticed by different sins. Someone may be very prone to indulge in heavy drinking, while that isn’t even a consideration for others. Others may find a quick impulse for pornography or “hooking up” with someone else, while that may not be a struggle for others. Some may be more susceptible to have a judgmental spirit or a prideful, haughty spirit. Others may be easily angered. Whatever the case, Satan knows what temptations we are more susceptible to give into, so he tempts us in such a way where we are more prone to give into those particular sinful ways of thinking, acting or speaking.
This by no means excuses when we fall, but it is something to know and understand. As Jesus said, “”Pray that you will not fall into temptation”” (Luke 22:40 NIV). May we arise each day and take heed to what Ephesians 6:11-18 (ESV) says: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.”
We all have a past, and we know from 1 John 1:9 that “if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” What a glorious and magnificent truth that is! Our Heavenly Father is not a condemning father towards us, but rather is patient with us. He is “not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Peter 3:9 ESV).
Genuine repentance is essential in the Christian faith, and glory be to God that He is always there to forgive and empower His children who come before Him with heavy hearts towards their sins. That is why it is important to understand that even when you mess up; even when you have had a terrible day or week; even when you feel like you have blown it and absolutely let God down; He is there, waiting for you to repent and come back to Him. God is so loving that when we do come back to Him, He accepts us. He understand our difficulties; and sometimes He chastises us for our sins because He loves us. Proverbs 3:12 (NIV) states: “because the LORD disciplines those He loves, as a father the son he delights in.” He delights when we come back to Him; and if we are disciplined, thanks be to God for it. If we have conviction from God after we sin, may we give Him praise; for that is one of the ways He draws us back to Him. He shows us that a life of sin does not compare to the glory, peace and joy that is found in the Lord Jesus Christ.
The next time you fall short, do not allow Satan to hang it over your head. Do not allow him to whisper in your ear and remind you of your past; because it has been forgiven! That is no longer who you are when you are found in the Lord Jesus Christ! You tell Satan that you have been forgiven by the blood of Jesus Christ, and you remind him of the eternal damnation that is coming for him. If anyone is to be afraid; if anyone is to be fearful; if anyone is to feel hopeless, it is Lucifer himself. O the wrath of God that will be poured out on him. Glory be to God that day is coming.
When we repent and ask the Lord for forgiveness, He forgives us. Ask Him for the power to withstand temptation. Ask the Holy Spirit to control your thoughts, actions and words. Use the power that is in you, and remember that “greater is He that is in you, then he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4 KJV). Satan has no chance when you are seeking the Lord with all your heart; so rise up children of God. Don’t sulk in your sin, but know that you have been forgiven. It’s time to rise up. It’s time to lead. It’s time to tell your story and testimony to the world. People are looking for hope. The question is, can they find it in you? Come back to the Father, seek His power, and know that “just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” (Romans 6:4 NIV).
Lance VanTine
Great read!