How easily I am persuaded by lies.
Lies from the Enemy. When I get discouraged, he persuades me to wallow in self-pity. When I am rejected, he leads me to try to fill the void. When I am busy, he convinces me that things in the here and now are of utmost importance. These lies may look something like this:
- You are inadequate for what God is calling you to do.
- You are unlovable because of your past sin.
- You don’t need to spend time with God–He never satisfies.
- Your current situation is too big (or too small) for God.
- You got yourself into this mess–you must work to get yourself out. Leave God out of it.
- You haven’t heard from God because He doesn’t care about you.
The list could certainly go on and on. The Devil has been up to the same tactics since he entered the garden of Eden to deceive Eve. His chief desire is for us to turn away from God. What we fail to realize is how easily we fall for his deception. We fail to see how he works in our own lives. In little ways. In our day to day.
What lies have recently been told to you?
“You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44
“No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” 2 Corinthians 11:14
“The serpent said to the woman, “You surely will not die! “For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:4-5
It is difficult for us to see the little ways Satan works in our own lives to detour us from living for God. It may look like wallowing in self-pity, wishing our circumstances would change. It could appear like great wealth so we no longer see our need for Him. Maybe you are stuck in loneliness, or hanging on to bitterness, or anger has thrown you askew. Satan’s ways are so tricky, so deceitful, that we easily fall for his angel eyes. Take time to reflect on your own life today.
Is Satan messing with you?
“Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one–the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.” C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters
I visited the Oregon aquarium this past week and noticed these beautiful jellies. Their transparent appearance lures you in. You are so tempted to reach out and touch them! They appear so beautiful, floating freely around in the water. However, beware, you don’t want to be stung by swimming with them! Likewise, let’s be on the lookout for the devil. He’s tricky. He’s deceptive. He looks so alluring. Look out! His tentacles are out to give you a deadly sting!