We find ourselves in situations and not even sure sometimes how we got there.
The world is left spinning out of control, too much time has slipped away, that job isn't what you signed up for, relationships are messed up, you didn't understand what you were getting into when you took that drink, went to that place, did that thing.
The enemy went fishing.
That's what happened.
While you were just minding your own business he fashioned a lure (or a few.)
And make no mistake; it's personal because his target is Y O U.
The idea the enemy has is to design the lure j u s t s o you don't see it for what it is.
It's bait.
The clarity of that moment you realize
the enemy is not only after your focus
and your attention
and your money;
he's after your future, your present,
your relationships,
your kids,
your grand-kids,
The devil is casting lures to capture your t i m e.
Because if he can cripple you
or blind you
or e v e n just distort The Truth enough about who you are in Christ
then maybe you'll have wasted every talent and everything God gave you.
But God is looking to make us fishers of men so that we can help point people toward Him.
And in that moment BEFORE regret can happen,
BEFORE the next heartache,
BEFORE the next worry,
BEFORE spending years doing that thing that wastes your life...
In the moment, ask yourself, “Is this bait? Is this the enemy trying to distract me or is God trying to lead me?”
Your Father says so.
Speak out loud “In Jesus' Name, devil get away from me!”
A LOT of bait looks and sounds like when satan took Jesus to the highest place –
Luke 4:6-7 And he said to him, “I will give you all authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. If you worship me, it will all be yours.”
The enemy does everything he can, prowling like a lion looking for who to devour, to offer us a whole lot of nothing for him to have our everything.
"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8
And then s t o p to hear Him.
The Holy Spirit nudges you.
The Lord speaks.
Jesus promises to give us a way out of temptation
and that means even the temptation to make careless choices.
Lord, please direct us.
Give us eyes to see.
Give us ears to hear.
Help our feet walk.
Help us speak when we should speak,
To be silent when we should be silent.
When we do speak, we ask for the right tone of voice.
Protect us.
In Jesus' Name, we thank You and praise You, amen.
Kerri Valor and her daughters
are currently waiting in faith in Northwest Washington
for God to open doors to Alaska.
They welcome your prayers,
as well as financial partnership,
to bring into fruition the homeless shelter
God has pressed upon their hearts
to create.