Tug of War

Have you noticed that whenever you set out to reach a goal something is always there to pull you in the other direction?  For example, it just so happens that someone brings in your favorite piece of cake just for you on the day you start your diet.  Or, when you finally decide to put dating on the back burner while you pursue your dreams "that guy" calls and says exactly the right thing. Or you take that leap of faith and decide to make your passion a priority over income when you get that insane job offer.  Maybe it's something more personal, like deciding to reconcile with a loved one just as something happens that slaps you in the face with the memory of whatever it is that drove a wedge between you in the first place.  Do you think these things are coincidences?  It's almost as if there is someone plotting against you, isn't it? 

It's so weird, as Christians we know that Satan is out to get us (1 Peter 5:8), and yet we seem surprised and caught off guard when he strikes.  There seems to be a separation between the Truth we have been taught and the truth we live.  Satan may have lost the battle for our souls, but that doesn't mean he has given up the fight.  There is a constant tug of war.  He will always fight for ground, and the more ground that you plan to take, the harder he will fight.  As long as he can keep you where you are at he doesn't have anything to worry about.  If he sees you taking steps toward healing old wounds and breaking strongholds he knows that you are preparing to advance and take ground for his enemy, the Kingdom of God, and that's unacceptable to him.  He wants you to remain fearful, alone, hurt, and ineffective.  He cannot allow you to see yourself as God sees you, warriors and royalty, created to make His name famous.  No, he wants you to stay in the shadows, afraid of what others will say, or cringing away from the pain of the past.  As long as we behave and stay "where we belong", in the safety of our churches and homes, he is okay with that. 

Ladies and gentleman, there is a tug of war over you.  Over your future.  Over your place in this world.  Every step you take will be challenged and countered.  What will you do?  Will you remain oblivious?  Will you choose comfort?  Do you find the lure of worldly things more enticing?  Will you choose to turn away, hoping that you can claim not to know any better?  Or will you choose to become wise to the enemies tactics, prepare for them, and then be sassy enough to wink in their direction as an off-handed "thank you for recognizing me as a threat"?