Deceptions

One of the greatest weapons is deception. Even the strongest person in the universe could not compete with the most deceptive. Deception is many times how we defeat those who are stronger than we are. So how does the devil and even our own sin nature achieve victory over our new, changed hearts? Deception. The devil and sin come as an angel of light. Ever notice how easy it is to do something that's wrong, but how difficult it is to do what is right? Ever notice how quickly we find ourselves in situations that previously we decided were not right, and how we justify them in every way possible? But the truth is, all sin will eventually lead to destruction and misery.

As I ran on the treadmill this morning, I thought of where I was with the Lord just six months ago. I had set my sights on Him alone, and on glorifying Him and not myself in life. Slowly, I slipped away. Looking back, I see the many things which have slipped back into my life that I had purposed not to do again. Oh how quickly and often we fall away? It doesn't have to be this way, for "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." If only I had stayed where I needed to be and relied on Him instead of myself, I would not be in situations now that I regret and see the need to change. How true it is that Christ's yoke is easy and His burden is light, but also how true it is that the narrow is the gate to eternal life, and wide is the path to eternal destruction. Even being saved from my sins, I so often slip away into my own perception of what is right, disregarding what His true, faultless word says. But in the end, I find myself in misery, needing to be rescued once again.

So how are we to avoid this trap...this snare? It creeps in so quietly, and who can notice it? Only God can protect us. We are nothing on our own. When we least expect it, the things that seem right are many times are not. Thankfully, we have the Holy Spirit within us who discerns our thoughts and actions and convicts our consciences when we are wrong. So in the wake of the battle, we must utilize God's mighty armour, His sword, His shield, His helmet, His shoes, His belt, His breastplate...We must be in constant prayer and always feeding upon His word. If a soldier does not constantly train and better himself, he will not be prepared for the battle at hand. We must also join with others, and have them pray for us, and we pray for them. We are not in this battle alone. There are other soldiers serving the same Master, and in any battle or mission, teamwork is a must! And most of all, we have a powerful Leader who guides each one of us all the way.

So how do we get out of the enemies prisoner of war camp? WOW! A tough one, and one I must achieve if I want perfect fellowship with my Master and Leader. When we find ourselves caught in situations that are not right, but we don't know how to get out or change what is going on, we must look to God every step of the way. Without Him, we can do nothing. Only He can send His armies to save us from the enemy. And we must also take up arms and be strong in Him. We mustn't despair, but rather we must keep our heads held high, knowing that He will help us through if we turn from the wrong and strive for the right.

But failure happens so frequently! I fail every day, and so many times it is in the same areas as those failures the day before. All we can do is strive for a closer walk. This is what I must do. To anyone out there who reads this, you are not alone! What ever your struggle, there are others going through these challenges as well. Don't give up! Fight with all your might, and you will prevail! You don't have to be subject to the powers of sin. God can help you achieve victory! But it will not come without a fight, and it will not come if you sit in a corner despaired feeling like you are too great a failure to pick yourself up and try again. Christ didn't fail you, and we do not have to fail Him. With Him, we can live a life of peace and joy! But we must follow His rules and regulations to find this peace and joy.

My final words are this. A two-faced soldier may play both sides for awhile, but soon enough his motives will be seen, and he will be killed by one side or the other. We, likewise, cannot live with one foot in the world, and one in Christ. Either we must live our lives 100% for Christ, or we are lying of our testimony and are serving two leaders. We cannot defect to the other side! God wants our devotion wholeheartedly. Please pray for me in my battles, and know that you are in my prayers too. God bless you all!