How often do you recognize that you’re in a battle every day? For me, sometimes I forget that I am the trophy in the war between God and the devil. That’s good versus evil for some of y’all. It has been hard for me to believe I could be that popular, or that valuable to anyone.
My understanding is that it’s a life and death game down here and my only weapon is my faith. It’s also a 24/7 conflict, but I’m not as relentless as Satan and my guard is not always up. On some of my best days, focusing on the Word is next to impossible, and I’m sure that’s when the devil is on top of his game.
On other days, when I’m on top of my game, I understand the devil wants to embarrass, humiliate and, like a scorned lover, hurt the Lord. What better way to do that than to steal, degrade, ruin something that God loves… me. Or you.
It’s hard to think of myself as being that important. It’s hard to consider myself as the pivotal piece in an eternal game of spiritual chess. So, without always knowing it, I am vulnerable. Like a child who unknowingly wanders off into a swamp, he or she has no idea of the dangers lurking there. Injury and death are but steps away.
That’s how I feel sometimes. I get lost. I know if I’m not diligent and consistent, the devil will take me out and celebrate at the wake. Hence, I know in order to at least be competitive I must train. But, like the weekend athlete, I don’t really want to work that hard. I just want to be left alone. I don’t want to play today.
Can you see how that frame of mind can get you killed? Can you see how your reluctance to step foot on the field of faith can spell trouble?
The Bible is full of references about those who would be seduced, abducted, tricked and persecuted for not being true to the Word of God. God himself expresses frustration at times about those who would willingly forget who He is and who they belong to. The consequences can be catastrophic.
So what’s the answer when you just not feeling it? Get into the Word. What’s the answer to being lost in the world? Get into the Word.
This does require a real sense of understanding about the dangers of being vulnerable. When I’m out of sync, I acknowledge that I’m actually out of sync. At this point, I can become deliberate in my efforts to regain my spiritual balance. Sometimes, it just takes the will to win.
