You know,
I continue to learn that we really do have an enemy. He uses the same tricks over and over. It's vital that we see the patterns and his methods. 2 Cor 2:11 talks about not being unaware of the schemes. Good point.
What I want to mention is the subtle stuff. We might think of an obvious, scary monster when we think demon, but I think the best schemes are the ones unnoticed. I believe it is crucial to be aware of the deceitful whisperer.
For example: I know that I am called to be a musician and sing, and write songs. Why is it that that's the thing I can barely seem to find time for?
Did a demon approach me and say "Joshua! Don't write music! We don't want you to! It will powerfully bless people and minister to them!"
No way. Too easy.
Far more effective is the soft, deceitful whisper "...you're too busy. You really need wait until your schedule isn't so busy."
If he can't take us out completely, then he'll render us ineffective (thanks to dad for the lesson!). If he can get us to focus on everything except what we're called to do then that's just as good. So easy to just be busy and miss what's important isn't it?
I know I need to be writing. So, when I lost my last blog it just seemed like the last thing I felt like doing. Even now I hit all the stuff: "Like anyone cares. No one is gonna come find your blog. Just don't bother. It's too much work trying to get any momentum there. It's not worth it."
I find that many of those things you "just know you ought to do eventually" are so often the places you need go straight into. Funny how "later" never seems to come. There's always a reason, a justification. The circumstances weren't just right. "So-and-so didn't do blank, so it'll just have to wait," "The kids won't leave me alone, and HAVE to deal them," "School just takes up so much time," "I should really use the time serve at church," I seriously get that one!
So, we fill our time with the things we feel allowed to do. Things without much resistance.
Don't get me wrong. I'll be the first to tell you that's it's important to take to relax. I'm not saying to be an overly-driven robot, however....
I think it is good to step back and have a look. Ask "What do I know are the most important things? Am I there? What subtle things have I bought into that are keeping me away? What are those things that I don't feel like doing? Why am I not?"
I know for me that it's way easier to allow myself to mow someone else's grass, before I'll allow myself to just spend time improving my singing or writing a song. So check it out. That thing you let sort of drift off might be more important than you realize.
Of course once you get there, there's you'll hit guilt or things that will take your attention, but that's another blog!
Be encouraged that there's always victory over the resistance though! I will not exalt the whispers above my Lord Jesus Christ. In Him we have a way to victory.
"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through Christ Jesus."
-1 Cor 15:57
So, there's the thought, and honestly this is one of those things for me. "Oh, I'll just write later. It's not important and no one is really going to see. OH! and don't tell people about your blog because that's arrogant."
Hah! It's not a guilt trip about not reading my blogs (: .... I just know I'm meant to be writing.
SO, that thing that you've agreed not to do because the circumstance are not JUST RIGHT....
GO DO IT!
-joshua
