Beware of the devil!  He’s a sneaking little sucker!

Case in point:  Tuesday’s post was all about how Jesus has defeated the devil…yesterday, today and always!! Halleluiah! Amen!

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil…. Hebrews 2:14

Guess who had the crappiest day she’s had in a while on Tuesday?  YEP!  Little ole’ me!

Blast it!!!  I fell for that weasel’s schemes hook, line and sinker – just like the human I am!!  And sadly, it wasn’t even until that afternoon that I realized what had happened and why.  UGH!!!!  So disappointing, but not really all that shocking.

The day started off bad and progressively got worse.  In fact, I woke up in a foul mood.  I was tired, depressed and out of sorts.  I went ahead and took my three mile run, but I was weepy the whole time…soooo not like me.  Then the phone calls, emails and texts started rolling in about nasty stuff happening in my life.

Please note none of this nasty stuff is new or any big surprise.   It just so happened that these life dilemmas were showing up on the same day, at the same time, and with the force of a very smart devil who knew exactly what he was doing.  YIKES!!

If you don’t think the devil tries to steal your joy, peace and hope…think again!

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1Peter 5:8

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:11-12

And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 2Corinthians 11:14

Scary stuff!!!  I know, right?!?!?

So, after many tears, several hugs,  a Starbucks coffee from my husband, and a logical look at what was actually going on (the world wasn’t ending on Tuesday like I thought) – I recognized the day for what it was…a devil conspiracy AND a great learning experience!!!

I had become so wrapped up in feeling sorry for myself that I lost sight of the only One who could change my attitude, outlook and circumstances – GOD.

Duh, Meg.  Sometimes you are a little slow on the uptake.

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7

It’s true.  As I was lying in bed at 7:45 p.m. because I was ready for the day to be over, I started talking to God about all of my grievances, worries, thoughts, fears, and trials.

Guess what happened?  YEP!  I started feeling a TON better!  Guess why?  Well, because I chose to lean on God instead of my own frailty.

While I reviewed the day I came to the conclusion that I had forgotten that I am not strong enough to fight the battles in my life, but God assures me that HE can and will!!!

My focus was off.  Squirrel!!

That is not wise in a world where evil lurks and the devil looks to shut down God’s people by making us doubt, worry, fear and forget who is REALLY IN CHARGE!!!

Don’t be a victim!!!  Concentrate on the power of Christ and His promises!!!

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31

THANK YOU, JESUS!!!  And…please protect us from the ploys of the devil!!

Where is your focus?

Some Wisdom for Today:  Proverbs 14:16 – One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless.

**Image courtesy of “Red Devil” by bandrat/FreeDigitalPhotos.net