Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – April 2, 2019
The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. 1 John 3:8
When I was in my early thirties, I undertook my first big writing project. I didn’t have much experience writing, really. I only had a few articles to my credit, and I didn’t have a journalism degree, but I did have a fire burning in my heart to put words on a page. This fire was accompanied by a confident knowing that I was called to write, to partner with God to bind up the brokenhearted.
One day, as I sat to begin recording my latest thoughts for a new book, a thought quietly came to my mind, “What makes you think that you can do this?”
I recognized that voice. It was the Accuser (Revelation 12:10). He comes to steal, kill, and destroy, (John 10:10) and to keep people from God’s plans for their lives. And, he attacks God’s people in their greatest areas of giftedness and anointing.
If God has gifted and anointed you to encourage others through music, the Father of Lies wants to come against you by attacking you where God has anointed you to silence your gift. (John 8:44)
If God has gifted and anointed you to lead, he wants to come against you by attacking you where God has anointed you to render you fruitless.
And, if God has gifted you to write, he wants to come against you by attacking you where God has anointed you by telling you that you can’t do what God has called you to.
This attacking doesn’t just happen to humans. It happened to God too. In Mark 15:16-32, as Christ hung on the cross, the Roman soldiers and those who passed by mocked His identity—and His anointing.
In verse 18, they called out to him, “Hail, king of the Jews!”
In verse 30, those who passed by shouted, “So! You are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save yourself!”
And in verse 31, the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves, “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself!”
The irony of it is that He was the King of the Jews, He could come down from the cross, He could save Himself, and He would be raised from the dead in three days.
Satan was mocking Christ through others and attacking His credibility.
So, when thoughts come to you such as, “What makes you think you can do this?” or someone comes along and says, “You can’t complete that task” remember that perhaps the reason you are being attacked is because you really are gifted and you really are anointed in the exact area where you are being attacked. Satan knows it, and he wants to stop you.
But don’t slow down. Don’t let up. Don’t get discouraged. Don’t quit. Keep going. You can do it if God has anointed you to do it.
“He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44).
Prayer
Lord, please give me the courage I need to keep looking to you during times I feel discouraged, condemned or ill equipped. Don’t let me give the devil a foothold in my life. If you have called me, I can.
Application
Take a few minutes to read the scriptures below and make note of one truth that speaks to you. Focus on it today.
Related Reading
Romans 16:20; 1 Peter 5:8-9; Ephesians 6:11-15
Post/Tweet today
When the enemy attacks, resist the devil in Jesus’ name and he will flee. #WisdomHunters #God’swill
Worship Resource
6 minute video- Steffany Gretzinger and Bobby Strand:
Donate
If you are blessed by these daily devotionals please prayerfully consider a donation to support Wisdom Hunters Resources. We are trusting the Lord for His provision.
Download our app!
Comments are closed.
Shana, I really needed this word of encouragement today, especially in the area of art. It is my gift, but I have heard Satan’s voice tell me there is no way I can do this! I have watched God really bless me…..have sold several pieces of art, but I have really lacked confidence! I guess I never really thought I was listening the the Enemy! I’ll approach things differently now!! Thank you!!