“Our enemy is very deliberate in the way he approaches us. He appeals to our minds first. We do not immediately act according to our temptations. The downward spiral begins with our thoughts. Our bodies simply turn in the direction our minds are facing.”- Dr. Charles F. Stanley
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”- Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV)
Dr. Charles Stanley concludes Chapter 5 of Can You Still Trust God? as he underscores that each one of us battles the devil on a daily basis. Yet, many people fail to recognize Satan’s work. Instead, they mistake his assault for the struggles of everyday life.
Therefore, Dr. Stanley counsels:
” . . . the key to withstanding Satan’s onslaughts : we must appropriate the strength of the living God. How do we get His power into our lives to be unleashed in any and every circumstance? There is only one way: by prayer. . . . It is only through prayer that our minds and spirits can discern what the average person cannot detect. Only through prayer can we sense forewarnings of Satan’s attacks, which can be aimed anywhere. . . . The enemy has no defense against persevering prayer, which crushes his mind and sends him running.”
Above all, Dr. Stanley stresses the importance of serious prayer – as opposed to little, quick prayers. Hence, serious prayer involves:
- talking to your heavenly Father, who listens and desires to answer
- humbling yourself to acknowledge your own need as well as the Father’s presence, holiness, and righteousness
In conclusion, Dr. Stanley cautions, we set ourselves up for defeat when we do not pray. Because when we’re prayerless, concern and worry follow. As a result, burdens increase in weight. We feel discouraged and weary. Emotional, spiritual, and physical weakness follow. Then Satan hits us when we drop our guard. Thus failure to pray isn’t a viable option.
Today’s question: When the downward spiral forms in your thoughts, which Scriptures halt it? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Change His nature to suit you?”
