Refusing To Be Defeated By An Attack

It’s comical how dramatic we can be about life.

“Woe is me because school is hard and Satan attacks me occasionally.”

 I’m sure many know the story of Job. In just the first chapter, Satan kills all his animals, burns his sheep and shepherds, steals his camels, kills his servants, and killed all his children. Sounds like a pretty literal fulfillment of John 10:10, “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy.” In response as stated in Job 1:20, Job fell to the ground and worshipped God. He said, “The Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord!”

I wish I had that attitude all the time. But to be honest, pride gets in the way and I convince myself (or Satan convinces me of a lie) that I deserve what I have and that God doesn’t have the right to take it away. He certainly does though. He created me and He sustains me, so He may do what He wishes and whether I like it or not, I can't object. God is in control even when I try to be.

Having said that, I know God is in control now even when Satan attacks me. Just like in Job, God knows what my response will be. God is more powerful than Satan; He must give Satan permission to do anything to me because I am a child of God. Also, I need to keep my eyes open for the ways God will provide for me.

“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure” 1 Corinthians 10:13

I am so thankful God will provide a way out of temptation. All I need to do is trust Him and look for that open door. 

I’ve also realized my personality is similar to Job’s based on what Eliphaz says to Job in 4:3-5, “In the past you have encouraged many people; you have strengthened those who were weak. Your words have supported those who were falling; you encouraged those with shaky knees. But now when trouble strikes, you lose heart. You are terrified when it touches you.” It’s scary to admit, but I’m very much like that. I feel I can be a great encouragement to others and remind them that God is in control, but when it comes to me, oh boy. And most people are like that. But why do we do that? We say one thing and when it comes to us we behave in another as if what we say to encourage others doesn’t apply to us.

God is currently teaching me that when Satan attacks me, I have the power through Christ to command him to leave; he is NOT allowed to control me. It’s a very difficult lesson to learn because I have to put my confidence in God into practice. When I feel my weakest, I have to tell Satan I am stronger because of Christ. And lately, situations have been arising where I have been able to learn the lesson God has been teaching me. He’s not just telling me, but I’m having opportunities for application. While I may feel defeated, I know I’m not.

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33