Life can certainly be challenging, can’t it, my dear friend?
Some days leave us feeling beat up, knocked down, and just plain exhausted.
So how are we to overcome those less-than-desirable days?
Let’s dig a little deeper.
Part 1
How to combat the 5 Ds with the 5 Cs of Christ
- The strategy of the Devil –
John 10:10(a) tells us the thief (devil) comes to steal and kill and destroy.
That’s powerful – and it’s also frightening.
So, just how does the devil go about doing these things?
Here are a few of his tools:
- Doubt – Doubt causes you to question God’s work in your life and question His goodness
Ever feel unworthy or less-than?
Perhaps you tell yourself ‘I can’t’
- Discouragement – Discouragement keeps your focus on how big your problems are – rather than on how BIG our God IS
Do you find yourself desiring to give up?
Do you feel the work is just too hard sometimes?
- Diversion – Diversion will make the wrong things seem attractive so that you will desire them even more than the right things
Are you distracted by things? Phone? TV? Sports?
Tempted by things that do not belong in your Core Values?
- Defeat – Defeat will make you feel like a failure so that you don’t even try
Ever feel that you might as well just give up before you even start?
Feel like you just can’t?
- Delay – Delay will cause you to put things off, so they never get done
Procrastination is not of God
Remember: it’s God’s timing, not yours
We know that the devil schemes to kill and destroy. He attacks us with lust, pride,
power, discouragement, doubt, money, escapism, pleasure, hate, anger, jealousy, selfishness – you name it, it’s in his arsenal. And he’s more than happy to pull it out and use it on us at any given moment.
Part 2 –
How to combat the 5 Ds with the 5 Cs of Christ
- Combat the devil’s strategy with Christ! –
So, what’s a Christ-follower to do?
The truth is we don’t have to fight the devil alone.
In Christ, the victory is already ours!
(1 Corinthians 15:57)
Read on for tips to keep the devil at bay!
Remember:
- Compassion – God is a compassionate God, and He loves you
Lamentations 3:22-23 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness
The Heart of Jesus is love and compassion
- Courage – God gives us courage through His continual encouragement
Joshua 1:9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go
He gives us the courage to stay in the fight
- Content – We are content and at peace when we remain in God’s will
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
We will have Joy
We will find Happiness in Jesus
- Certainty – God gives us the certainty that we are never defeated. The Bible clearly states that the victory is ours, and He is on your side.
Romans 8:30 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
God has a good plan for your life
- Confidence – God gives us complete confidence in His timing
Philippians 4:13 I CAN do all things through Christ who gives me strength
Christ has already won the victory
Remember John 10:10(a) – the devil prowling around, seeking to do all those mean things? Well, that’s not the end of the story.
John 10:10(b – emphasis mine) finishes by saying, ‘ I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.’
I don’t know about you, but I like that ending! That is a beautiful promise to hold fast to when the devil attacks.
So, always remember that C comes before D, just as Christ comes before the devil!