Have you heard the term, “Spiritual Warfare”? Maybe you have or maybe you haven’t, but I am here to tell you it is a real thing! When I first began my recovery journey, my faith in Christ had been renewed and restored. I first became a believer in Christ in my late twenties, but Satan waged a war on my mind. I didn’t realize it at the time, but that was spiritual warfare.
Jesus taught his disciples about Satan and his schemes. He explained that Satan only wants to destroy what is good and right (John 10:10). Jesus goes on to say, though, that He came so that we may have an abundant life. Let me tell you, Satan does not like that one bit.
Spiritual warfare comes in many forms from Satan. He knows our weaknesses and plays on them. He knows who bothers us and what words get to us. He knows our temptations and how to plant seeds of doubt in our minds. But God knows us better than anyone (2 Timothy 2:19). God knows we are His children and through His power, the devil cannot stand. He runs and hides at the very utterance of Jesus’ name (James 2:19). That is the spiritual warfare I’m talking about.
Satan tries to convince us that we do not need God, but we must be strong and courageous against the devil’s schemes. The Apostle Paul says it like this:
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil”
I talked about the armor of God before, but I believe it is so important to talk about again.
The closer I am in my relationship with Jesus and the farther I go in my recovery journey, Satan still tries to attack my mind by reminding me of my past. When these darts of doubt are sent sailing towards my mind, I remember to put on the full armor of God in order to stand firm against Satan’s schemes. The devil is crafty, but he is not as smart as he thinks he is.
Satan will try to condemn me, but God forgives me.
As I continue to work on Step 10 and take a daily inventory, I ask God to help me discern my steps. Satan will try to condemn me, but God forgives me. God helps me to write out my daily inventory and gives me the direction of what I did right and what I could have done differently.
I am not perfect, but taking an inventory will help me see with different eyes where I can improve.
Take me to the next post in the series.
Think About It:
Start today and take a daily inventory. Ask yourself the following questions:
What was good about today?
What was bad about today?
What were my reactions to the events?
Could I have reacted differently?
What wrongs do I need to admit to God and to someone else?
Download the October Reading Plan© (subscriber password required) and Read Ephesians 6:10-18, 2 Timothy 2:19, and James 2:19.
Journal About it:
Follow along in the My Journey Journal© (subscriber password required) and write about how the questions and scriptures today resonated with you. As you write, thank Him for showing you the way in your journey.
Pray About it:
As you think and write, say this prayer with me.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for giving me the warning about the devil’s schemes. I praise you for the power you provide in your Word. I ask that you help me to continue to wear Your armor to protect me from the Satan’s flaming arrows. Help me to take inventory every day and when I am wrong promptly admit it.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Talk About it:
I would love to hear from you! I enjoy connecting and keeping in touch. Do you feel as though you don’t have anyone you can share with confidentially? Your anonymity is protected. Do you feel you are the only one struggling with the after-effects of growing up with an alcoholic parent? YOU are not alone! It’s time to break free from the shackles of your controlling habits, trust issues, co-dependency, guilt, self-blame, hurts, regrets, and heartaches! Your NEW Normal starts NOW!
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