Assassin

I have been thinking a lot about the lengths, the schemes that the Satan will go to in order to get us confused and off track. I want to start out by saying I am not an expert on this subject or any other for that matter, but what I do know is that there is a real enemy.  If you have been a Christian any length of time you have probably heard the sentiment, "God has a plan for you".  This is very true.  You were created ON purpose, WITH a purpose and FOR a purpose. He does have a plan that he has specifically designed for each of us that will be a great joy in our life.  (Check out my earlier post called "Longing to Calling").  In the last 5 years I have become painfully aware of an undesirable truth and that is that Satan has a plan for us too.  Take a look at these verses: 

The thief comes only to kill, steal and destroy, I have come so that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10   ---  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

I have always believed that there was an enemy but I never really realized the seriousness of how evil the enemy is and how much he hates me.  All the little sins that I struggled with I just passed off with a "that's life and it doesn't matter that much" attitude.  When really it was Satan at work all along.  When you seek to grow in God, Satan is your adversary.  We need to think of Satan as an assassin and he has his sights set on us.  The worst thing that Satan can do to us is separate us from God because he knows that our life apart from God is death.   He is subtle and leads us off track little bits at a time.  Next thing you know, we are far away from God and going down a road we never thought that we would be on.  Here's what I want to do:  Turn the tables on Satan!  The Bible says that all things work together for my good. (Romans 8:28)  Let's use the tactics he intends for harm, for our good; as a stepping stone that will ultimately bring us closer to God.  This thinking goes way back to Joseph in the book of Genesis.  In fact Joseph said those exact words to his enemies, his own brothers, who conspired against him.  He said, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good.."  That's what we can say to Satan.   Every morning, I want the enemy to be like......"not her again, she resists in every way!"  I don't want to assist Satan in leading me astray, I want to resist him.  I want to say to him every time I feel tempted, "you intend to harm me, but God intends good for me....oh and by the way Satan, don't forget you lose."

Some final rambling thoughts:

• Be a student of your Bible -- The word of God is our very best weapon to fight the schemes of Satan.  Learn some verses, it's not that hard.  Satan hates God's word.  Jesus used the word of God when he was tempted and so should we. 
• Know your weaknesses -- Know what your weaknesses are because you can be sure that Satan already knows them are and will use them against you every time. 
• Learn who is speaking to you -- We all have trouble sometimes figuring out if something is from God or Satan.  To begin to know the difference, get to know God by reading the Bible and praying.  Anyone can know about God, but we need to KNOW Him.  You cannot hear from God if you do not know him.  Also, when God is speaking to you, it will always line up with his word and lead you to Him.