Thwarting My Plans

Last week I gained some confidence. I made a plan and set a timeline for myself. In fact, I am stretching toward some pretty lofty goals. I won’t go into the boring details, but let’s just say that confidence helped clear my mind and allow the creative juices to flow again. And as I began telling these things to those closest to me (for accountability), I felt energized and motivated toward the possibilities of all that God has in store for me to do. However, as the week wore on, things unraveled a little.

I had a disagreement with my husband and reacted very poorly, definitely not to the standard of the Proverbs 31 woman. I reacted with selfishness and even questioned God’s generosity. When my husband gently corrected my negative attitude by reminding me of all of God’s blessings, shame set in. I don’t know about you, but shame can paralyze me. I get all up in my own head and allow the enemy in there too – telling me all kinds of lies about my worth, my purpose, my character. Lies that cloud my thoughts and cause me to stop moving forward in obedience.

I’m not sure if you are aware, but the enemy knows our weaknesses. He studies us to know exactly when and how to strike. And he is slick! In Genesis, he is described this way: “Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made” KJV. The enemy didn’t like all that confidence I gained last week, so he did what he does best – he attacked me at a weak point. The minute I reacted negatively he knew he had me. I can imagine his reaction was something like this, “YES! That silly girl did all the hard work for me. Now I just need to remind her of her failures…and she’ll stand down because she will believe that this moment defines her character; it’s like taking candy from a baby!”

And you know what? It almost worked. Almost!

I was sharing with a friend this morning how I hadn’t written a post this week yet and where my mind was – uncertain again. And she said, “sometimes the enemy will do whatever he can to keep you from doing what you have set out to do if he doesn’t like the direction your plan is going”.

Immediately, I was reminded of something another friend tells me often. She says that the plan God has set aside to do through me must be something that will have a huge impact because it terrifies the enemy and he does everything he can to stop it. Recalling her words on the cusp of my conversation this morning prompted me to this revelation > I know there is a work that He has set aside to do only through me and when I am walking in obedience toward that plan, the enemy is angry and will do all he can to try to stop it, therefore I will be under attack. I’d like to say that I’m not an easy target. And perhaps I’m really not, but he is cunning and loves to sneak in at our weak points, which he knows well.

1 Peter 5:8 says “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” We have to be mindful of our weak points and learn to recognize the enemies fiery darts attacking us.

You may be in a similar situation, feeling under perpetual attacks OR you might have already learned how to dodge those fiery darts. Either way, the enemy is still looking for ways to thwart your plans to live out your purpose for God. And he prowls day and night – never giving up. The thing I’m learning, is that I DO have weak points and he is always watching. I need to be watching too, so that I can more quickly recognize the attacks before he has won any of my hours or days.

There are some practical ways we can overcome these attacks:

• Recognize and know your own weaknesses.

• Pray, asking God to help you shore up those weak points.

• Ask others to pray for you.

• Read your Bible and remind yourself of God’s faithfulness – “But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one” – 2 Thessalonians 3:3

• And continue moving forward in faith and obedience.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the plan and purpose you have for my life. Thank you reminders of your faithfulness to help me stand firm against the enemy when he is trying to throw me off course. Help me to recognize his attacks quicker and help me continue to move forward in obedience. In Jesus name I pray, Amen!