By Sidharth Mohandas
As believers we must realize that Satan is not a figment of our imagination, nor is he a clownish character. He has been in this business with humanity for thousands of years and so we must be wise in our dealings with him.
Studying ourselves, we come to realize that for us everything starts with words. We hear a report by word, which is taken up by our mind and our thoughts go into action, the thoughts stimulate emotions and the emotions stimulate us to act. Satan has studied us closely and he knows how we function and because he can’t bulldoze us who believe into acting or reacting to things the way he wants us to, he slowly and cunningly sows words into our minds. He camouflages himself and makes us think what we heard doesn’t have it’s origin in him. Whether the mode he uses is lies, deception, intimidation, or accusation, it all starts with words.
Today I want to particularly concentrate on his weapon of intimidation. In 2 Chronicles 32, we see Satan threatening king Hezekiah through Sennacherib king of Assyria. Scripture tells us that the purpose of their threats was so that they could capture the Israelites’ city [2 Chronicles 32:18]. Satan uses lying threats to steal what God has given us. Here are some common threats:
- “Your son has been diagnosed with an awful disease. This is a very serious disease and it can even take his life. Remember that person who prayed and still died of the same disease?” He [satan] may use a doctor to speak medical terms to intimidate you so that he can steal the healing that God has given you.
- “You have committed the unpardonable sin and now God has nothing to do with you.”
- “You have never been able to hold up a relationship. This one is going to fail too. If you get close, they’re going to hate you and look down on you.”
- “You have so many loans to pay and you don’t have enough money to take care of yourself and your family. God isn’t going to provide, that’s all make-believe.”
- “Everyone is gonna stare at you when you get on stage. And they’ll laugh at you”
Peter walked on the water, but began sinking when he saw the wind and became afraid.But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, began to sink [Matthew 14:30]
Here are some useful steps you and I can follow:
- Do not look to/analyze the negative report/word the problem carries with it. It has nothing good to offer but fears and uncertainties.
- Recognize that ALL fears have its origin in satan.
- Pray using truths from the Word concerning the area that you are struggling with
- Thank the Lord with your voice [you may use songs to help you thank Him].
- Choose not to discuss about the report that satan has given, speak faith and courage.
Great post – I think this is one of your best yet. Too many of us have a picture of Satan as a red-devilish figure with horns and hoofs that uses his pitchfork to torment people in heaven. Whereas, he is actually a spiritual being that masquareds as a n angel and is far more intelligent that us humans. Realizing his presence of temptation is something we all need to realize.
But I am not sure if I agree with the idea that Satan is the source for all fears. What about the fear of the Lord? Psalm 19:9′ Leviticus 25:17; Revelation 15:4
I concur with Nick. Great post, Sid.
I’ve also realized that to overcome fear, there needs to be thanksgiving to God, and letting God know that all there is is in His will and that it is for His glory.
Just the other day I experienced a little miracle that I’ve shared on my music blog. It’s really amazing when one leaves it to God and let it be His glory instead of oneself’s, great things are done.
Shalom Aleichem.
The fear of the Lord is very different from the fear Satan brings. Fear of the Lord is reverence and respect, it’s not the threatening-kind of fear.
God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and sound-mind. [2 Tim 1:7]
I had written an article on the Fear of the Lord sometime back. Do read it.
Sid
\o/
Awesome post. I’ve heard all the lies before. We must react quickly to overcome the schemes of the enemy.
If we give him a toehold, next comes the foothold, then a stronghold, and before we know it a stranglehold. I think I heard Beth Moore use that line. I have found that to be true.
This is something that I was just reminded of the other day on the radio:
How to Overcome Temptation
So apt for me at the moment. I have been struggling with anxiety and fear. I need to be reminded that it is NOT from God. Thank you Sidarth.
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