Have you ever imagined the way we get set up in the spiritual dimension of life?
The devil sends his minions, knowing the circumstance you are in, the characters involved, and their weaknesses he's observed for years and years. One minion whispers a lie to you, as another whispers an assumption to a friend or a colleague or a relation.
If you are not alert to the enemy's tactics, you'll fall for the lie and there you go jumping head first into conclusions which are far from the truth. The stage gets set up for revenge, division, anger, bitterness, and more untruths.
"Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.
Withstand him; be firm in faith [against his onset--rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined], knowing that the same (identical) sufferings are appointed to your brotherhood (the whole body of Christians) throughout the world." (1 Peter 5:8-9 Amplified Bible)
Such scenarios abound, that cannot be denied. Have you ever experienced getting to the other side of such a set up unscathed, blameless before God, because you chose to pray for the people involved; because you chose to believe the best in them; and because you kept alert?
"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." (Ephesians 6:18)
The enemy is very strategic. It's like a chess game, you know. The only way you can beat the enemy at his strategy is by keeping your busy hands off of it, letting God move the pieces.
In our very limited thinking (that is, compared to God), we tend to see only what our perspective allows us. If we don't completely cast our cares to God, we end up trying to come up with solutions that always fall short of the victory God means for us.
"All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands." (1 Samuel 17:47)
The battle is the Lord's, friend. Don't get weary in well-doing. Instead, let us bless and encourage one another, pushing each other up towards the goal we have in Christ.
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." (Galatians 6:9-10)
