It's better to burn out, than fade away!
Rock of Ages, Def Leppard, 1983
One of the things I learned when I attended the She Speaks Writers & Speakers Conference in 2008 was that if you are working for God, you can plan on the devil to attack you.
The very first time I ever gave my testimony was at a women's retreat when my oldest was about 5 years old. She woke up with the throw up bug the morning I was to leave. One of the hardest things I've ever done was leave that sick child to go speak at the conference. She even asked, "how could you leave me?" I knew she'd be fine under the loving care of her daddy, but it was so hard on me to leave her. I now realize that the devil was hoping I would in fact stay home and not share my message.
I've got something to say! The devil knows this, he wants to quiet me so I'll fade away. The night before I gave my testimony at my church this year I pulled a muscle in my back and was in a lot of pain. On another occasion when I prepared my message for a women's retreat my computer crashed and I lost everything on it.
I now realize these are spiritual attacks. But with the help of God, I'm not going to let the devil stop me. I've got something to say. It's better to burn out, than fade away. The devil's attack may sting or even burn, but to just fade away quietly without sharing my message would let him win.
Today's Def Leppard song is called Rock of Ages. Of course, I lean on the ROCK of ages, God. That is the only way I can escape the devil's attacks. The hymn Rock of Ages says Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee; let the water and the blood, from thy wounded side which flowed, be of sin the double cure; save from wrath and make me pure.
God is the Rock of Ages I can hide myself in to protect me from the devil. He can save me from wrath. I've got something to say. And I won't be stopped. Will you?
Rocking Revelations:
1. Do you believe in spiritual warfare? Why or why not?
2. Do you believe the devil can and will come after you if you are working for God? Why or why not? Will this prevent you from doing the works God prepared in advance for you to do?
3. What are some ways you can hide yourself in God and protect yourself from the devil's attack?
Karaoke:
Dear Lord, You are the Rock of Ages! There is none mightier than you. Protect me, Lord, from the attacks of the devil as I make my way trying to do your work and your will. Shine your light on me so that I may see the way you want me to go. Thank you being my strength, my hope, my shield, my salvation and my rock. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Rock On:
Read Psalm 62 for encouragement on how not to be shaken, but to take refuge in God, our Rock of Ages.
6 comments:
spiritual warfare is very real...the devil doesn't have pity on you when you're "down" either. he kicks you.
going through some things now that are in part an attack of the devil on my children...
the devil does not feel sorry for me that Andrew has passed...he wants to take out my other 2 kids, too, to confuse them and make them doubt God's word.
Rock On--love that ending.
Nothing could have convinced me more of how true this is as when your computer crashed that night. I remember it so well. Especially when God saved your speech and nothing else. If that wasn't a miracle....well I don't know what is. Wouldn't life be great if the Devil would just realize he cannot win!
God and friends to hold you accountable. With those 2 things, the devil just cannot win. period.
P.S. Thanks for being my accountability.
Kelly,
This is so absolutely true. I find the same thing happens whenever I am going to do something for God and the weirdest stuff pops up so unexpectedly. Great message in your post.
That's why we need to give God thanks in ALL things. Defeat the enemy at his own game.
Love and Hugs ~ Kat
AMEN, sweet friend! He will complete the good work He is doing in you.
Hugs,
andrea
Spiritual warfare? Is it real? You bet it is!! I come across it all the time and only in the past few years have been able and willing to see it for what it is and call it by name.
If God is for me, who can be against me?
Yes, I believe in free will. That is what makes love so important (as you illustrate with this song). I believe God's sovereign will is that we serve and follow him out of love. But, if he compels it, is it really love? That is a hotly debate theological issue. Good post.
Post a Comment