I have never hated Satan more than I do tonight. If I am completely honest I am not sure I have ever hated Satan at all. I think more than anything I have dismissed him as a defeated, diminished figure whose influence over my life died at Calvary. I am learning that while this statement is true theologically, practically speaking to dismiss Satan is a danger of monumental proportions. He is not a laughable caricature in red; he is a thief bent on heartache, submission and destruction.
Recently I have had the heart-wrenching opportunity to weep with friends who are experiencing the devastating consequences of ignoring Satan. One innocuous decision, one tiny step away from the gracious watch of the Lord, one day spent outside the wisdom of the Word thrust them into a world of spiritual warfare that produced some catastrophic casualties. The details of their story don't matter-not because what happened doesn't matter but because it is the same story line of deception and betrayal that Satan has been perpetrating since the Garden. Sure the characters' names, the object of idolatry and the scenery all change, but the story is the same. And the details don't matter because my point is the same-don't dismiss Satan. Don't fixate on him. Don't fear him, but in the Name of God, don't dismiss him.
He is real. He attacks. He loathes holy things and is hungry for destruction. Praise God my eternal security is assured, but my temporary peace and happiness can be snatched away by this defeated but defiant enemy of God. John 10:10 alludes that that this thief comes to steal , kill and destroy. As a follower of Christ he can neither kill nor destroy me.
But I wonder if stealing is still an active part of his arsenal for attacks on the believer. I live this side of eternity in a fallen, dark world. Satan desires to make it as attractive as possible, and he will rob me of all that is really beautiful to make this dull, dingy, disgusting world seem lovely. I have decided I will not submit to his sweet, gentle persuasion that wants to harden my heart to "small" sins, dull my conscious to the Spirit's conviction, distract my mind from the wisdom of the Word. There is too much at stake, and I can tell you that God does not tolerate a forked tongue or a divided heart.
"Oh Abba,
Protect my wretched heart. I am too dull of mind to fight this battle. Enlighten me to the darkness in this world and in my own heart. May I hate Satan and sin with a renewed vigor. Father make me vigilant for holiness that You may be fully glorified in me. I pray Lord that the Holy Spirit would have full sway over my too-often defiant will. Burn away the callouses of my conscience. Prick my heart and oh dear God I hope I bleed."
4 comments:
I have stopped to acknowledge your entrance into the world of blogging. You are a powerful witness to our Father through your words. Words scripted from a heart that is tendered to the sacred things of God.
Hi...my name is elaine and I, too, am new to the land of blogging. I also received a makeover from Jennisa. Isn't she terrific?
I'll check back often. Put it all out there girl. Write...write...and then write some more. You have moved my thoughts to a deeper place this evening.
peace for the journey~elaine
Whitney I am moved by what you are saying and you are so right. I am adding a link to my blog so that others may come and read it.
Whitney, what a beautiful blog and you have a way with words.
It is amazing on this journey as soldiers of the cross how the Lord teaches us about Himself and His power through our "trips", and enables us to minister to the Body of Christ because of them.
The HOPE that He makes all things new and beautiful brings endurance in, and joy after the darkness. I am grateful your friends have you to encourage and pray for them through this.
Blessings, and congrats on your new adventure w/ Proverbs 31.
I too am pretty new to blogging and still quite unskilled. Quite limited in my time. I spend more time reading than writing. I love to see what God is doing in other's lives.
Love, Kathy
Hey Whit!
Just checking out your blog, and I am so jealous! Yours is soooo beautiful. Maybe once I get past dipping my toes in the water and am in up past my ankles, I'll be calling your friend for a make-over too!
I started reading on this one because the title caught me. I have had the verse John 10:10 as my "motto," "life verse," whatever you want to call it, for a while, and I am right with you on this. We cannot become desensitized to what Satan is and what he is trying to do in our lives. You definately are your father's (and Father's) daughter!
Love ya girl!
J
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