You Won’t Believe What the Devil Said to Me!
Life is not always easy. Ministry is not always easy. When people break their word to you, it’s disappointing. When people close to you malign you, it’s hurtful. When you are sick and tired and see no rest in sight, it’s easy enough to grow weary in well doing and fainting doesn’t sound like such a bad thing. At least you’d get some rest.
I’ve been there more than once—and you probably have too. Daniel 7:25 says the enemy comes to weary the saints but Paul told the Galatians not to grow weary. There’s tension between those two verses. The devil really is roaming about like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour (see 1 Peter 5:8) and we a really are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus (see Rom. 8:37).
As warriors, we labor in the Spirit to push back darkness and make the paths straight for Christ to have His way. We make intercession to see His kingdom come and His will be done on earth—or in any given situation—as it is in heaven. But we’re wrestling against principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this age and spiritual wickedness in high places to get the job done (see Eph. 6:12).
You Won’t Believe What the Devil Said to Me
That’s it in a nutshell. Sometimes I just get tired. One time, when I was completely worn out, had just been betrayed, was physically sick, facing unexpected pressures and generally disappointed, the devil said this to me:
“Your life would be so much easier if you would just work a job, go exercise at night, then come home and relax and watch TV. It would be so much easier for you. Think about it.”
Of course, I knew it was the voice of the enemy. There was no doubt about where this not-so-subtle suggestion was coming from. And I did think about it for a minute. I agreed quickly with my adversary. I thought to myself, “That’s right. My life sure would be a lot easier if I just got a regular job, worked my 8 hours, then came home and watched TV. It sure would be. Yes, indeed. No doubt about it.”
Are You Listening to the Enemy?
I didn’t meditate on that long, of course, because I don’t want those seeds planted in my head. I always say the best thing I’ve got going for me is that I just refuse to give up. My testimony is: “I’m still here.” I actually found it amusing that the enemy thought he could turn me away from God’s will so easily, especially after everything I’ve been through already.
I called one of my intercessors and shared with her what the devil told me. She said he was telling her the same thing! That’s when it struck me. I am convinced the devil is using that same line on many in the body of Christ who are just tired, worn out, weary and about to faint. And I wonder how many are listening.
The problem with that “your life would be so much easier” line from the enemy is it seems true. Life would be so, so much easier if we didn’t press in to God’s calling. Or would it? Would we really be content knowing that we’re disobeying God? Do we really believe that the enemy would stop attacking just because we lay down our weapons? Do we really believe that the warfare would stop just because we backed off God’s plan?
The Devil Is a Liar
The devil is a liar. He wants us to think that if we stop going hard after God that life will be easier, less stressful. It may be easier in a certain sense but don’t be deceived. There is no peace when you are not on God’s path. There is no joy in willful disobedience to Him. Don’t fall for this line of the enemy.
If we love God, we will keep His commandments (see John 14:15). We need to determine to present our bodies to God as a living sacrifice, which is our reasonable service considering all He’s done for us (see Rom. 12:1). If we are willing and obedient, we will eat the good of the land even if it looks like the land is parched right now (see Is. 1:19).
Beloved, don’t let the enemy wear you out and run you down. Some time ago, I shared with you all a powerful prophetic promise for the weary. Now may be a good time to go back and read that. But let me leave you with this encouragement:
Wait on the Lord. Expect Him. Look for Him. Hope in Him. He will cause you to soar above the storms in your life like an eagle soars above the clouds in the sky. He will give you a prophetic perspective on your situation so you can see the proverbial forest instead of getting overwhelmed by the trees. He will give you strength to continue pursuing His will. Greater is He who is in you than he that is in the world. You can do this!
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Jennifer LeClaire is senior editor of Charisma. She is also director of Awakening House of Prayer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and author of several books, including The Next Great Move of God: An Appeal to Heaven for Spiritual Awakening; Mornings With the Holy Spirit, Listening Daily to the Still, Small Voice of God; The Making of a Prophet and Satan’s Deadly Trio: Defeating the Deceptions of Jezebel, Religion and Witchcraft. You can visit her website here. You can also join Jennifer on Facebook or follow her on Twitter.
