“Life may be swirling all around me, threatening to steal my hope, my peace, my joy. But I am declaring right now that I will not be swept up into a storm of fear and wild emotions. . . . I very much recognize that I will steer where I stare. So I must watch what I fixate on.”- Lysa TerKeurst
Lysa TerKeurst concludes Chapter 10 of It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way as she discusses the final four ways Satan attempts to gain a foothold over us.
3. Attention – my mind, what I focus on. As you steer your attention more toward the Lord, His peace comes to flood your heart. In addition, God’s peace settles your anxious mind. Thus, with God’s help, you think clearly, choose wisely, and live according to His ways. So, when Satan tries to steal your focus and flood your heart with fear, purposefully choose to tune him out.
4. Attraction – my eyes, what I desire. Consider your choices carefully. Think before you act. In the process, you stay in step with the Lord, certain that He’ll keep your ways steadfast and sure. Furthermore, affirm you intent not to turn back or give up. Because, in the face of strong temptation, you possess the Lord’s strength. Only He satisfies your soul.
5. Ambition – my calling, what I spend my time seeking. Commit to pursue the purposes for which God created you. And even though you may not know all the details of God’s big calling, resolve to be on assignment for God today. For when you’re most settled in your calling, Lysa notes, you’ll feel the most satisfaction. See the things that come your way as God’s perfect plan to develop the character you need for your calling.
6. Action – my choices, how I stand firm. When you buy into the lie that you’re helpless and hopeless, you spend your time anxious and worried. Rather, declare hope and trust over your life. Resolve to thank God instead.
