Have you ever had a nightmare, but the next day as you try to explain it, it comes out sounding ridiculous? But honestly when you were experiencing it, it was truly awful. That is how I feel about trying to convey the sleepless night I had before taking a trip into a very difficult situation. However I wasn’t in a nightmare, I was wide awake.
I don’t know about you, but when I am facing the most difficult, tragic things in life, Satan attacks me the most. I am inspired to share with you today what really works to completely defeat him and his evil schemes!
#1. Recognize the attack
When fearful, anxious, tormenting thoughts keep coming, I know it’s from the enemy. When I feel like I would rather give up than take another step, I know he is oppressing me. His goal is to trick me (and you) into believing we can’t (fill in the blank). He will try to devour us when we are already hurting, and take advantage of any opportunity…while we are weary and weak…to destroy us.
But just like when we have a nightmare, it stops when we wake up! Our circumstances in real life don’t just vanish, but we can “wake up” and see that Satan is torturing our mind and we can decide not to allow it!
When I had that sleepless night recently, I recognized the attack and started saying Jesus’ name out loud and in my mind repeatedly. Then I started praying scriptures. Next I got up and read the Bible, stopping to pray intermittently, and praising His Name. The battle went on all night long, but the next morning I was prepared to go and do whatever God wanted me to go and do.
#2. Ask for prayer
I have experienced firsthand that people’s prayers are a priceless gift! God wants us to pray for one another and love one another, and He blesses us when we obey Him in this. I can literally feel the prayer covering: peace, strength, hope, wisdom, insight and grace. We need prayer and must let go of any pride keeping us from asking.
#3. Obey His call to take a step of faith
This is when we get to see God show up strong in our weakness! This is why Satan was fighting us so strongly and what he was trying to prevent us from doing! This is when we get to see that it’s all about Jesus, His Kingdom, and His glory! Oh I hope and pray everyone reading this will take that step God is calling you to take! If it’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done, please know it will be the biggest victory and blessing you’ve ever experienced! Satan will be defeated and you will know, that you know, that you know that “He that lives in you is greater than the one who lives in this world!” (John 4:4).
Dear friends I understand the battle, and I know it’s horrific…but I also know what it feels like to fight back wearing the full armour of God…and to experience God fighting for me! There is no comparison to our Almighty God’s love and power!! Nothing!! His ways are higher and they are better!
Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. Remember the Lord in everything you do, and he will show you the right way. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Selfishness only causes trouble. You are much better off to trust the Lord. (Proverbs 28:25)
You, Lord, give perfect peace
to those who keep their purpose firm
and put their trust in you.
(Isaiah 26:3)
I wait eagerly for the LORD’s help, and in his word I trust. (Psalm 130:5)
Trust in God and find that he is the source of your joy. (Job 22:26)