No Fear

Has anybody noticed that Satan can be both consistent and creatively crafty at the same time? Well, let me share, just in case you haven't noticed because to fight Satan, we have to recognize his tactics, and he's got some seriously ugly tactics.

Point #1:
When Satan wants to get to me, he almost always attacks me in the night. This has been consistent throughout my walk with God. Satan knows that in the night, I can't call my friends and ask for prayer, and he also knows that in the dark of night, things always look worse than they really are. So he is consistent in shooting his fiery darts when I need to sleep, and last night was no exception. I am a recovering worrier. In fact, I should start a group called "Worriers Anonymous" because it is something I have fought all my life, but in recent years, I've had tons of victory over worry because I have fought back with God's Word. But still, Satan tries now and again . . . one more time . . . to see if he can get me to worry . . . worry about things that I might have done wrong, worry about things that could happen, worry about what other people think . . . worry. Now, I know it's a waste of time, and I know that God's Word is clear about worry: it does absolutely no good, and in all honesty, it shows my lack of trust in God. So I fight back with scripture; I fight back with prayer; I fight back by remembering all the times God has brought me out of situations. I fight back with a well-balanced, sound mind. And when I do this, God always provides.

Point #2:
When Satan is not winning in the normal areas of attack, he finds a new place to pierce my heart, and today is no exception. I rarely worry about anything at school. I work hard, love my students, pray over my school days, and I don't worry, but Satan is creative. Yesterday was the first day of school, and he came after me with a vengeance, keeping me from getting a good night's rest and putting a spirit of fear on me. I recognized it as Satan, and I should have gotten up right then and there, in the middle of the night, to pray and claim God's victory, but I was tired. I lay there and let him bother me until finally, at 3:50 A.M., I knew I had to go to God's Word. And did I find answers? You bet, I did! Over and over in the Bible, it clearly states that God did not give us a spirit of fear, and yes, fear is a spirit, but it's not from God. It is an evil spirit sent by Satan to steal our confidence in God and therefore, destroy the effectiveness of our witness and our prayers. So like a good soldier who prepares for battle, I got up and put on the armor of God this morning. I covered myself in His Word, writing it down in my journal and reading it over and over. I prayed God's Words back to Him, and I went boldly to His throne, asking for complete peace and calm. I reminded Satan that he has no power in my life because God is in control . . . not me with my weaknesses, but God -- the Almighty, the Creator, the Protector, and Provider! He not only gives me His armor, but He walks with me in every battle, and He walks with you, too. He knows Satan will attack, and He is ready to defend and protect.

Point #3:
When Satan comes after me this strongly, I know that God has great things in store. Satan prowls around like a roaring lion, trying to destroy what God is doing in His kingdom, and when he sees great things about to happen, just like an evil warrior, he plans his very best attack. Pure and simple. But the truth is simple, too: he will lose.

So what do I know as I go to work today? God is with me, He has great things in store for my life and for this school year, and He is faithful to protect and defend me against the attacks of Satan. My job is to be faithful and refuse to give my confidence away. My job is to stay close to my Defender, God Almighty. My job is to trust in His Word and His guidance, not wavering, because we read in the book of James that God will answer our prayers, but we cannot be double-minded or uncertain in our thoughts. We must claim God's love and believe that He has a future and a hope in store for us, and He is faithful to His Word.

So if you're under attack, do as the Psalmist did: praise God for your trials! Yes, praise God because He works everything for good for those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. Be called by God, and trust in his provision this very day.