Not Outwitted!

"in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. " (2 Corinthians 2:11 NIV).

How does the enemy outwit us?  Don't fool yourself, he does whenever our defenses are down.

There are five things one must understand about how the enemy works and manages to wreak havoc in our lives.  He is a master of deception, the father of liars, his job is to steal, kill, and destroy.
He is a chameleon--constantly changing to blend in with the weaker saints in order to appear like one.  He masquerades as a ministering angel when he in fact is preparing the path to destruction on which we sometimes follow.

He tells believable lies--mixed with some parts truth.  Usually his lies are 1 part truth and 3 parts lie and when we mistakenly think the 1 part truth is the whole truth, he sucks us into the whole lie. Think about it!  Did he not attempt to convince Jesus to trade His place with a partial lie in the desert? Did he not manage to convince Eve to eat of the forbidden fruit with a partial lie.  Let's face it.  Any part of a lie makes the entire situation a whole lie.  Don't be fooled into trying to justify a half-truth--it is a whole lie.  Now, think about current changes in our society--regarding a number of things, including marriage. Is this not a half-truth?  If it is a half-truth, it is a whole lie.

Since the enemy hates God and all of His creation, his job is to steal our joy, by any means possible.  He will speak lies to our minds and can convince us when we are not careful.  He influences us to be fearful and we know that God has not given us a spirit of fear. It is extremely difficult to be full of joy when we are full of fear.

The enemy kills--people literally and loves to kill our dreams and hopes.  He influences others to do his bidding when they are not in relationship with God and we see the evidence on a daily basis.

When the enemy has control over the minds (depression, oppression) of those who choose not to believe God, he is then set to destroy everything that God has created and established that we who believe might have full benefit of His promises. It is not believers, in right relationship with God, who are making bombs, killing people, spreading lies about God's Word, or instigating hate.  We, who know God and have a relationship with Him, can love unconditionally and have no need to hate people-- no matter how different or how opposed they are to right living.  We are capable of loving--even the unlovable--because we are obedient; we love God with all our hearts, souls, and minds, and love others as ourselves.  If we truly love others as ourselves, we cannot conspire to hate anyone, unless we hate ourselves.

To avoid the pitfalls that Satan digs for us; get rest, stay in prayer,  praise God at all times, keep your focus on who God is and all  that He has planned for us, speak The Word every time the enemy raises his ugly head, and don't be afraid to look the enemy in the eye and let him know--you are on to his tricks and will not be outwitted by him.

Thank You Lord for giving us power (through the Holy Spirit), love (casting out fear), and a sound mind (able to distinguish between the works of enemy and Your voice). Hallelujah for our Risen Savior!