I've been becoming more and more aware of how much I "If" things. It's just slightly insane... In bible study we were focusing on worry and anxiety. Got those, I mean when you completely give control over to the Lord, that is what my flesh automatically goes too. It's a battle.
In church this morning, the sermon was on knowing the enemy- aka Satan. Yup, don't like him, never have...no Christian should. He is the ULTIMATE at "If" statements. Fear, worry, doubt, all from him- those things are NOT of God. In the least. Lies implanted into the brain to put mistrust and distance us from God.
Here's my conviction for the day...It's kinda stretched out so stay with me...
My favorite quote from CS Lewis is
"In each of us there is something growing, which will BE Hell unless it is nipped in the bud."
Now, as Christians, we will always be fighting the weeds of sin that pop up in our lives. Sanctification is that process. It's cutting down the sin in our lives, but it's a battle that won't finish until we see Jesus face to face whether in death or when He comes back.
Going back to Satan, who is the prince of deception, his only mission is to distance us from God. When He was tempting Jesus in the wilderness (Matt 4, Luke 4) all his statements started with "If you're the son of God". He was attacking Jesus at his identity. I know as christians, one of our biggest struggles is keeping our identity in Christ. Satan goes "If you love God" "If God loves you" "If you're a good christian"...And he builds doubt inside our hearts...planting mistrust. Because let's be honest, God is perfect, and FAITHFUL. Always. So, if our eyes are fixed ONLY on Christ, we can't not trust him!! But, we entertain the doubt. We play out the "what if", "If this".
Well, Satan can show up everywhere and yes in our evil actions when we give into the temptation and don't "cut down the weed". Proof of that? When the crowds were jeering and scoffing at Jesus on the cross...what did they say to him?? "If you're the Son of God...why don't you step down and save yourself..." Heyo Satan....Showing up at another opportune moment (Luke 4:13).
Now, that hit me hard enough in the service, then I turned on How Deep the Father's love for us by Page CXVI, "Ashamed I hear my mocing voice, Call out among the scoffers"
I am a scoffer. Right now.
... I used to sing that song and in my head go "Oh I used to be a scoffer..."
When I doubt that God has called me to raise 56,000 dollars, or go to Paris. I'm going "If you're the Son of God, why don't you step down and raise this money." "If you're the Holy Spirit inside me, why don't you make people call me back." "If I say this is my calling, and it doesn't happen, It will make me seem like 1) less like a Christian or 2) Make God seem like he isn't all powerful." Scoffing at his power, majesty, faithfulness, love, mercy, grace. I mean I'm scoffing him AT HIS IDENTITY. At who He promises he is. I am scoffing at the core of my Savior.
Father forgive me. Doubt is my weed right now. Satan tries to cripple me by it.
But, You are an awesome and perfect God who I am working on trusting him to the depth of my marrow. You are faithful. I am not. But, I am worthy because You are worthy.
Amen.
Cutting down the weeds...
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