One of the wiles of the enemy is to isolate us in our minds,
emotions and circumstances. He uses the strategy of making us think we are
alone and imprisoned, in what we are going through or experiencing, but it’s just another lie.
Jesus, himself told us that satan is the Father of all lies.
Well, that would mean he is the best there can be when it comes to spinning and
fabricating lies. And it’s something he does every day. “God has forgotten you.”
“Jesus is too busy for you.” “You are not really forgiven.” “Remember what you
did 15 years ago, do you really think God has forgotten? Well, He hasn’t!” “Keep
on praying for healing—it’s never going to happen.” “Do you really think Jesus
can love someone like you?” “God is not really in control of your life.” “He is
not going to help you with your money problems, so forget it!” “That kid of yours is never going to get saved.”
Just a few of the lies many of us battle with on a daily bases.
Why?
Because if he can steal our hope—he is happy! If he can make
us doubt God and waver—he has done a good job. If he can crush our faith—he has
succeeded!
10 Finally, my brethren, be
strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put
on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of
the devil. 12 For we do not
wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers,
against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness
in the heavenly places. Ephesians
6:10-12 (NKJV)
18 praying always with all
prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all
perseverance and supplication for all the saints. Ephesians 16: 18
(NKJV)
You can read the entire segment on the
whole armor of God by clicking here (Ephesians
6:10-18). But today I just want to focus on who we are up against and what
a powerful and crucial roll prayer can play in us not giving into the lies and
deception.
Years ago, I lived in an apartment building that was lovely
except for all the noise above me. A young woman moved in with a small boy and
it seemed like all hell broke loose. He would play basketball in the apartment.
There was loud music and parties at night, and people (not on her lease)
staying with her at any given time and a string of midnight rendezvous. It was ridiculous
and I had to get up at 5am to go to work and my youngest daughter was in
preschool.
I would often complain to my mentor about it and one day she
said, “Stop whining and do something about it! Every time that noise starts or
wakes you up, don’t lie there in bed being mad and upset—get up and pray for
her!” What?! Pray for her? Are you serious? Yes, she was very serious and it
was some of the best advice she has given me over the years. It has changed my
thinking and life until this day.
That very night, I was awakened with loud music being turned
on at midnight and the overbearing sounds of mayhem and foolishness. I jumped
up out of bed, went in the living room and started praying out loud for my
situation, her and everyone one else in the household of faith who had to put
up with that kind of noise.
Well, let me tell you…this was not the outcome the enemy
expected. No! He wanted me to be upset, angry with God for not moving her out,
and grumpy and short tempered with my young daughter from lack of sleep. And
for awhile that was exactly what he was getting. But he never wanted me to pray
the fervent prayers that started coming out of my mouth—it wasn’t too long before
he changed his strategy on that one.
You see sisters, before long, I found enjoyment in praying out
loud at 1 o’clock in the morning on a work night. In fact, I would wake up at
5am refreshed because my focus was now on the real culprit and not the woman
who lived over top of me. And I was standing in the gap for all the other
saints who were struggling with their neighbors too!
Here’s what I want you to do—take this same mindset into
your problems! And not because I say so, but because the Bible says so. That’s right, start praying for every saint in the Body who is going
through whatever it is you are.
The deception that it’s only you—is a lie! You are waiting
for your healing—so is someone else. You are displaced and waiting for a home—so
is someone else. You have a child that's in trouble—so does someone else. You
are having a rough time on your job—so is someone else. Your marriage is in the
dumps—so is someone else’s. You have a broken heart—so does someone else. You’re
feeling God has forgotten you—so is someone else. You are depressed—so is
someone else. You have a need that seems to be going unanswered—so is someone else!
Whatever we are experiencing as individuals, someone else in
the Body is too! We are not alone in whatever it is we are going through. Somebody,
somewhere, is going through the exact same thing and having the same doubts and
fears you are.
Even as the noise started to die down or didn’t bother me as
much as it once did, I never stopped praying for this woman and her son. And
one day (a couple of years into it), I saw her being picked up to go to church.
And the end result was; she got saved, married, bought a house and moved out. All
that happened within a 5 year period. Just to let you know—it might not happen
over night! ~Smile~
No matter what our circumstances, trials or tribulations may
be—we can pray! And praying for others helps take the focus off of us. Doing it
daily builds faith and strengthens us. Try it! Stop being sad and depressed about what is going
on in your life and allowing the enemy to steal your joy, hope and faith.
Stand up! Fight him back! The last thing he wants you to do is become someone
who focuses in on him and his, and stops believing the lies.
Pray hard, loud and be strong! Come against any and every
lie he has told you about your situation, and pray for your brothers and
sisters who are experiencing the same. And above all else
read your Bibles—so you can stand on the promises of God—no matter what the
devil might try to tell you.
Know the truth!
Know the truth!
Until next week...
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