Resist & Stand Firm

“Resist the devil and he will flee from you … Stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” James 4:7 & Ephesians 6:11, NASB

Oftentimes, when I face a period of prolonged writing or ministry related tasks, thoughts and feelings of guilt emerge. Like swamp creatures that lurk in the dark, they slither into my mind and heart. Temporarily distracting me, they encumber me with a sense of failure as a mom. As a wife. Again. Swells of guilt insist I pay too much attention to ministry and too little attention to my family.

Ugh.

I don’t want to be identified as one who blames everything on the devil. At the same time, it’s helpful to be aware of his tactics, one of which is to hurl accusations at God’s children. In fact, one of the definitions of the word, devil, is “false accuser.” Making reference to Satan, Revelation 12:10 reads:

Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, who accuses them before our God day and night.”

Satan has accused and continues to accuse God’s children. Thousands of years ago when righteous Job lived, the accuser presented himself before God (see Job. 1:6-11). He suggested Job’s faithfulness existed because the LORD’s blessings filled his life. If God’s protection and blessings were removed, surely Job would curse God.

I wonder, what does Satan suggest to God about me … about you?

As I mentioned, guilt often assails me in times of intense ministry, suggesting my failure as a wife and mom. This isn’t an accident. Satan’s repetitive attacks, which used to affect me more, are losing their grip because the Lord is opening my eyes.

Am I perfectly attentive to my family? No. But I love each of them to my core. I’m well aware of room to grow, yet the truth is that my ministry endeavors make me a better wife and mom. Despite the hours I devote to writing and teaching, these activities place me in God’s Word more frequently. They cause me to seek the Lord, depend on the Holy Spirit, and learn from the Bible. The accuser knows this. So he wheedles his way into my mind—suggesting I’m a failure—when in all reality I’m a child of God clothed in Christ’s righteousness.

Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us” (Romans 8:33-34).

Let’s not allow Satan the satisfaction of falling for his lies. Let’s resist him by claiming the truth of our identity in Christ. We’ve sinned multiple times, but Christ never did. We’re not perfect, but Christ is. By God’s grace, we stand victorious in Christ. 

In what part of your life will you resist and stand firm today?

In Christ’s Love,