On Resisting the Devil

 By: Rebekah Hargraves

Photo Courtesy of: Patrick Fore

"Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

~James 4:7

My husband and I had a great time at a marriage conference last month, but one of the things the conference speaker said instantly stood out to us as not just being wrong, but being seriously wrong and with big ramifications. 

As he was standing there giving an otherwise wonderful speech, he said to us conference attendees, "We give too much power to the devil and attribute too much to him. If we will just ignore him, he will leave us alone."

All the red flags and warning bells began going off in my head as well as my husband's as we turned to each other at the same time and whispered, "That is actually the exact opposite of what the Bible says."

Granted, some people do attribute too much power to the devil and begin quivering in fear when thinking about him or even refusing to pray out loud because they are afraid the enemy will hear their words and thwart their prayers. 

However, we can also make a mistake on the opposite side of the spectrum, as well, and not remember what the Bible does clearly say about his actions and what we are to do to fight back. James clearly tells us that we are to *resist* the devil. That is a different thing altogether than ignoring him! 

Paul concurs with James when he dedicates an entire portion of his letter to the Ephesians (Ephesians 6:10-18) writing about how we are to be aware of spiritual warfare, fight back against dark spiritual forces,  and arm ourselves with the full armor of God.

We must make no mistake - we must "be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour." (1 Peter 5:8)

I was chatting with some friends while on a girls weekend getaway at the beginning of this month, and we all agreed - spiritual warfare is noticeably increasing, things are getting darker, and the enemy is amping up his attacks and his activity. It is time to resist him, to stand firm, and to armor up. 

To that end, beginning next Tuesday, I will be walking us through a weeks-long series on the Armor of God, dedicating one devotional a week to each piece of the armor that we read about in Ephesians 6. I hope you'll join me and that we'll be able to, together, walk boldly and firmly into the days ahead armored up well for whatever the enemy might try to throw our way. 

Reflection Questions:

1) Have you ever heard the idea that we should just "ignore" the enemy? What do you think about this claim?

2) Are you sensing an increase in spiritual warfare or demonic activity these days? How are you fighting back? 

3) What piece of the armor of God are you most looking forward to learning more about in the weeks ahead?

Find Grace

By: Joanne Viola

 

“Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace,
so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
(Hebrews 4:16, NASB)

 

Let’s talk about grace for a bit.

 

We know we receive grace from God time after time. We offer grace to our family, our friends, co-workers, and even drivers on the road.

 

But we fall short on offering grace to ourselves as parents. We blame ourselves for so much when it comes to the daily struggles we face with our children. We compare ourselves with other parents, with TV depictions, and images we scroll past on social media.

 

We tend to forget our children will have imperfections, not solely due to our parenting, but because they are humans.

 

Children will fail to remember their homework assignments, have temper tantrums, test our patience, do poorly on tests, and not pick up after themselves.

 

As humans we all have imperfections. We all will fall short. We will all make mistakes.

 

We need to give one another, our children, and ourselves a bit of grace, offering protection and nurturing so that we grow in the midst of our imperfections.

 

Maybe you are the one who is in need of some nurturing today. The good news is that our God excels in offering exactly what we need.

 

We, too, are growing up in every season of life. We, too, fail to remember how we are to live each day. There are days we fall short on patience, love, and mercy.

 

Nurturing has been defined as “training, upbringing” so that “one can grow into a secure being” (Merriam-Webster dictionary).

 

God wants to grow us into secure believers, those who know Him and will not be shaken, even when our imperfections are on display.

 

Our nurturing God offers to us,
His imperfect people,
His abundant grace in our time of need.

 

 

Reflection:
Are you in need of God’s grace today? How can you carve out time to give yourself a break – some time to recoup and receive grace?

 

Image by Ekaterina Ershova from Pixabay

 

 

Imposter Syndrome and Willing Obedience

By: Lauren Thomas

“Imposter syndrome” is a term that describes feelings of inadequacy relating to one’s job. It encompasses concerns such as “I don’t know enough” or “I haven’t achieved enough to do this job well.” The term normalizes feelings we have all dealt with from time to time. And though a “normal” feeling, imposter syndrome is not what God wants from you.

Here’s why.

 

Imposter syndrome sounds a lot like mock humility, about which Catherine Booth, co-founder of the Salvation Army, had this to say:

I am tired of hearing the words “I can’t”. Jeremiah said, “I am a child”; but the Lord didn’t pat him on the back and say, Jeremiah, that is very good, I like that in you; your humility is beautiful.” Oh no! God didn’t want any such mock humility. He reproved and rebuked it. I do not like the humility that is too humble to do as it is bid.

 

When we allow our “inadequacies” to hold us back from willing obedience, we have a problem. Catherine Booth referenced Jeremiah, but what about Moses? He had a litany of symptoms to bring before God regarding his imposter syndrome: “Who am I? How will they believe me? Why would they believe me? I’m not good at speaking! Please, find someone else for the job!” (See Exodus 3 and 4). Gideon was another one who suffered from imposter syndrome (se Judges 6).

 

It is understandable, relatable. I know I have questioned God’s call in my life. I can assume it is likely that you have as well. And though it is “normal” to feel like an imposter when God lays a large job before you, let’s instead respond as Mary did when God called her to a job that was bigger than she:

 

And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Luke 1:38 ESV

 

This is what the Lord requires: willing obedience. He isn’t asking you to work in your own strength. He hasn’t called you to ensure your success. He hasn’t even called you to orchestrate your outcomes.

 

He’s asking for willing obedience that trusts Him to equip and establish His plans through you. Feel unqualified? Feel inadequate? He chose you for this work. Just say “yes, Lord” and leave the rest to Him.

 

Now, may the God of peace…

 

equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Hebrews 13:21 ESV

 

Reflection:

Read part of Moses’ story in Exodus 4:10-12. Notice God’s response to Moses’ concern about his speech impediment. How is imposter syndrome holding you back from what God has called you to? Using the above passage, what might God be saying in response to your perceived inadequacy? Read Isaiah 41:9-10. How does this verse encourage you in obedience to God’s call in your life.

God As Our Refuge

 

By: Donna Bucher

Watching the wildlife in my wooded yard provides me not only with entertainment, but timely lessons from the Creator. Recently, a bustle of activity indicated seasonal changes and the need for more permanent shelter for the coming harsh weather.

The hurried pace of preparation spoke of diligence and intention, all wrapped in a cloak of seriousness, as the days grow shorter.

My smile dimmed as the hurried pace of the squirrels running to and fro across the yard, gave an accurate reflection of my own actions when faced with uncertain times. Panic tinged with a touch of the dramatic defines my search for refuge in God.

Whether facing the uncertain times of political elections, job security, financial security or simply not knowing the weather forecast for an important outdoor event; uncertainty sends us fleeing for shelter in security.

While Proverbs18:10 expounds, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.” I often prefer the circuitous route, ensuring all other options receive consideration. How many of the following detours have you taken on your way to finding refuge in God?

Man. Or woman, or child. Seeking refuge in the protection of others, or the advice of others or even the company of others as an escape, rather than heading straight to God with the issue at hand.

Drug of Choice. “Drugs” come in many forms: entertainment, binge watching, comfort food, alcohol, shopping, working, even sleeping. Any form of escape or avenue for hiding.

Self-reliance. Obsessive “research” via internet or other avenues for problem solving, relying on your own wisdom (Proverbs 3:7) or abilities.

Denial. Refusing to accept the problem at all or choosing to remain paralyzed by fear of the future.

When you choose running away or seeking flimsy substitutes for refuge in God, you forfeit the peace and protection of His Presence. We find a beautiful illustration of this in Psalm 91:1, where the Psalmist pictures refuge in God as abiding in His shadow.

I love to envision standing so close to God, I am consumed completely by the shadow of His Presence. No evil, harm or tragedy comes nigh the mighty Presence of God.

Remembering all you gain when you seek refuge in God strengthens your faith to seek Him first for your shelter in troubled times.

Considering all God provides me as His child when I seek refuge in Him, I marvel at my reluctance to run into the high tower of God the moment I face uncertainty or trial.

God provides everything I need whether I am facing uncertainty, trial, temptation, illness, financial or relationship struggles; if I will but seek refuge in Him. How can I better seek refuge in God?

Ask. David continually poured out his heart to God in the psalms asking God to intercede for him and he earnestly sought God’s Presence for refuge from his enemies.

Forsake. Abandon your self-sufficiency and “do-it-yourself” mottos. Stop looking for escape clauses and admit your need for shelter in the storm.

Trust. Believe that God alone is your refuge and strength. Nothing you can obtain or nothing you can lose is of more value than God Himself.

Taking refuge in God, we find rest and intimacy in His Presence, surrounded by His steadfast love, He lavishes the abundance of His goodness upon us, while covering us with His joy, blessing and favor. Where are you seeking refuge?

 

 

Find more encouragement and FREE Resources at Serenity in Suffering!

 

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Jesus Knows What it's Like

 By: Rebekah Hargraves

Photo Courtesy of: Ismael Paramo

"Going a little farther, he fell facedown and prayed, 'My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.'”

~Matthew 2:39

2024 has been a hard year for our family. There have been unexpected blessings, to be sure (such as seeing our farm dream come to fruition at long last!), but I think we will look back on this year as one of the hardest we have gone through yet. Car troubles with both vehicles, a leak in our house, financial issues, our house sitting on the market for months, the death of our beloved goat - it's been rough!

I vividly remember sitting outside on a starry August night with my deathly sick goat laying his head on my lap and staring up at the heavens. "God, please heal him. You brought our farm dream to fruition. Please do not allow our first farm animal to pass like this. Please."

God didn't heal him, and our beloved Popeye passed away just days before he turned 6 months old. 

That was the last straw for me, the final drop in the bucket. For nearly a year I had been weathering one hardship, loss, worry, or trial after another, and I couldn't take it anymore. 

I no longer felt safe or secure with the God I had known all my life. I knew He was compassionate, but I didn't want His compassion. I knew He was empathetic, but I didn't want His empathy. After all, He could have healed Popeye. He chose not to.

This may seem dramatic to you - after all, it was "just" a goat. Farm animals die all the time. But, for me, it felt deeply, deeply personal. I had wanted a farm of my own for as long as I could remember, with vivid memories of joyous summers spent with my great-grandparents on the farmlands of Indiana. Now, at the age of 32, my farm dream had unexpectedly and blessedly come to fruition and yet here I was a mere two months after acquiring our farm, and I had already had my sweet first goat taken from me. It felt like a cruel joke directed towards the innermost part of my self. 

For a month and a half I carried that pain, largely unbeknownst to anyone else except for one of my very dear sister friends. I lamented to her that God felt like He was gaslighting me, and I didn't want to turn to Him for the comfort I knew He would extend to me. 

Well, fast forward to last weekend when I got together with that friend and a couple other dear sisters of the soul. As we gathered at a beautiful Bed and Breakfast on a farm in Kentucky, we went our separate ways on the property and had a time of solitude, silence, and journaling with the Lord. 

As I finally quieted my soul and got alone with the Lord for the first time in a while, I poured out all my angst on paper to Him. "I know that Romans 8:28 is true and that You will bring good from Popeye's passing. But why, why does that good have to be brought about that way?? Why couldn't You have brought good in some other way? In a way where I would still have my Popeye with me?"

And that's when it hit me - how similar my words sounded to words prayed by Jesus from the depths of His own soul. "If it is possible, let this cup pass from me."

Jesus, too, wanted the good of salvation to come about some other far less painful way. He knows and understands what it's like to wish with everything in you that the promise of God bringing good would come to you through some far less heart-wrenching avenue. He gets it. And it was in that moment of that realization that something in me broke open and I felt safe with my God for the first time in a while. He is a good God, He is a loving God. And He understands firsthand how it feels when good comes from not good circumstances. It hurts. But He is with us in that hurt, lamenting that the brokenness of this world was never meant to be. He wanted better for us, and He is in the business of restoring that better for us for all eternity. I can praise Him for that! How about you?

Reflection Questions:

1) Have you ever felt unsafe or insecure with God or doubted His goodness? What was that like for you? How did you get through it?

2) Are you still in that place? How can Jesus' words in the Garden of Gethsemane minister to your hurting heart?