“Look at the fruit — it will give you a good idea of the tree it came from.”- John Eldredge
“Be self-controlled and alert. Your Enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith . . .”- 1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV)
Today in the Summer section of Walking with God, John Eldredge discusses diagnosing and resisting Satan’s ploys. As Jesus said in Matthew 7:20, “You shall know them by their fruit.” While this principle holds true for anything in life, it especially helps in figuring out Satan’s plans.
Thus, John states, we must show awareness of the following awakenings in our journey of faith:
- coming to realize that God exists
- realizing we must deal with Him- a far more life-changing epiphany
- coming to realize Satan exists
- dealing with him too
Therefore, in order to find the life Jesus offers us, we need to take the Enemy into account. And that means, when facing spiritual attack, praying right then and there.
However, the author notes, whenever one faces a spiritual attack of any kind, one’s tempted to try and ignore it. Yet, God gave us a will. Part of maturing personally and spiritually involves learning to use that will. In addition, John states, there’s nothing like spiritual warfare to teach us to exercise it.
As a result, when the Enemy is present, John urges you to:
- command the Enemy to leave
- if possible, name the spirit
- speak directly and authoritatively
- stop and ask God what you’re dealing with; don’t take wild swings
In conclusion, Mr. Eldredge reminds us, Scripture makes it plain that Christ followers will experience spiritual attack. When you move into deeper intimacy with God, you attract Satan’s attention. Satan wants to rob you of life and joy.
Today’s question: On what tree does most of your fruit grow? Please share.
Coming Monday: the new Short Meditation, “But even if You don’t, my hope is You alone”
Tomorrow’s blog: “Pay now or pay more later”
