“What did you say?” It seemed like I had to repeat that question over and over at lunch the other day.
The music in the restaurant was loud enough to where everyone was trying to overcompensate by raising their voices. The volume level was almost unbearable. A serious conversation was impossible.
My friend and I still tried to continue downloading our lives to each other, but in the end we left because we just couldn’t communicate.
How frustrating!
You know what though? This situation serves as a perfect visual for the work of the Enemy. Here’s what I mean…
He throws so much background noise our direction in an effort to discourage us while we desperately try to communicate with our Heavenly Father.
What does that look like?
- He keeps our schedules so busy and tight that we barely have two minutes to ourselves.
- He tempts us relentlessly to take the easy way out of our situations.
- He convinces us that passivity is the way to go.
- He blinds us to the reality of a situation.
- He sends in the spirit of confusion.
- He delivers the countless and hopeless messages from the world.
- He causes us to doubt our ability to even hear God.
So often… too often… he succeeds.
And when he does, we sometimes find ourselves withdrawing in discouragement and giving up. We stop trying to hear God. And when we turn away from God, we give into the schemes of the Enemy.
Sisters, that isn’t our legacy.
When the Enemy’s static begins to interfere in our relationship with God… when it starts to lead us down the road to nowhere… when we find ourselves stepping back in fear and confusion… we need to walk away from the noise.
1 Corinthians 16:13 tells us to “Be alert. Be firm in the Christian faith. Be courageous and strong.”
Pretty straightforward. Let’s break it down. We need to:
- Be watching for the Enemy’s schemes and learn to recognize them quickly.
- Hold on to the truth’s about God, His promises and His unchanging character. (Hint: they’re all mentioned in the Bible :))
- Keep fear and discouragement out of the equation so we don’t back down and retreat.
If we are intentional when the Enemy’s noise threatens to get in our way, we will be able to walk away from it. It won’t affect us.
He loses.
Look friends, the Enemy’s ultimate goal is to cut off your desire and ability to communicate with God. It’s the first step in his plan to destroy you. Oh how he hates you.
Deliver the winning blow. How?
- Be alert!
- Remember who God is and who He isn’t.
- Don’t let the Enemy intimidate you!
You win.
©2011 careyscotttalks.com
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Oh girl- good stuff here- and perfectly timed… This message is a good reminder of the battle we are in and also how serious it is ….also it brings to mind the times that Jesus would escape the crowds to pray… Just a great visual- how important for us to retreat and be alone with God so we can here HIS voice…. This was so encouraging today!!!
You’re right Amanda, we do need to do whatever it takes to hear God! Thanks for reading and leaving a comment!
At my age, it may seem weird, but grandchildren are the background noise. We had a talk with our small group last night about how as young Christians we were so eager to get out and feed and bless those around us. Now, we take care of grandkids. I told them that in our early years we brought our young kids, well we can now bring our young grandkids!!!
Sherry, you are such a great mom and grandmom. Your family (and friends) are blessed to have you!
Distractions, works, and business are the enemy’s biggest ploys…
my friend always says that ‘lovers always out-work workers.’
Lord, let us love you like no other…!
Amen and Amen, Cathi!