Learning to Fight

But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” Matthew 16:23 (New King James Version)

Although Christ’s words were spoken to Peter, Satan was the intended recipient of those words. We would do well to be as bold in our tone and terminology when addressing the enemy of our soul. Jesus had no trouble knowing who was really behind the rebuke Peter gave him, and we need to be just as wise to his workings in our lives as well.

It has taken me years to realize just how active the enemy and his minions are in my waking hours. Too often I failed to notice his finger prints and would simply attribute my troubles to living in a broken world and possessing a sinful nature. Little did I realize the things I was blaming my problems on were also his tools and he was proficient at using them. While certain words, thoughts, and actions may start with me, he is delighted to run with them once I let my guard down. I failed to see each one as darts in his hands.

What are the “darts” he uses in my life? Wrong perceptions, feelings of jealousy, condemning thoughts toward others or myself, fear of rejection, hopelessness, a sense of being unfulfilled and unsatisfied, longings for things I can’t have, idolatry, self-pity, insecurities, and emotions that take me down wrong trails. Today was the first day I began to see how much the enemy is involved in using them. How skilled he is at using them.

Once I saw what was happening (what has been happening) I got angry. Really angry, because I saw the damage he was doing with little resistance from me. That is when I began to call him on the carpet. I voiced the fact that he was a liar and that I no longer wanted to choose to believe his lies. I proclaimed the truth of Who I belonged to and who I was in Christ. Throughout the day, the least negative thought that came to mind was enough to bring the “Get behind me, Satan” phrase out of my mouth. He heard it a lot and he heard it often.

The results have been astounding! I have begun to live as a victor instead of a victim. I am learning I can be bold in Christ and I like that! It is the difference between taking control and being controlled. Will it continue to work as well tomorrow and the next day and the next? Definitely! I can’t wait to use the rest of the verse on him!

Father, I am learning to fight the enemy on Your terms and it is working. Keep me bold and keep me in tune with You. Amen.

Protector of My Soul - Maranatha Singers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sj3mCYB5iqg

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.