Temptations wax and wane. Sometimes they’re overwhelming. Sometimes, well, they’re easy. It’s like he’s not even trying.
This is not one of those times.
Interesting what our enemy says to us that gets us. For me, one of the best weapons seems to be the reminders of just how wicked I am. How much of a loser. How much of a failure.
It would seem like that would have the opposite effect. Particularly when addressed to someone who likes a fight as much as I do.
I learned two things that I really despise while I was in the Army. The first is where someone tells you that there’s only one more mile to go when there are eight. The second is like it. It’s when someone tells you the end is twelve miles away when it is two. I just want honesty.
The first one lies by saying you’re almost there when you aren’t. The second lies by saying it’s too far.
That is what satan’s voice says so much. Pointing out all my weaknesses, all my inadequacies, he runs the reel of how I’ll never make it, I’ll never be worth anything. And so I just want to quit, to give in.
The reality is, to the world, to most people, I am a loser. But then I look in my God’s eyes. I hear his voice in the bible that I read. I realize that I am chosen. I am called. I am loved.
Have you ever noticed that, if you can’t see, stepping in mud, on a cupcake or in dog poop all feels about the same. If you turn on a light, you can see what it is, wash it off and walk on. If it’s mud or a cupcake, and you’re marching for the King, don’t worry about it. If the accuser throws some crap in your path, it never has to be something we hold onto.
Wash it off. And, walk on.
Now I know I’m making light of what can be so heavy to bear, so crushing to face. But our armor is on, our weapons are made for “pulling down strongholds.” And we serve a King who cannot be defeated.
So yeah. When satan accuses, when my own heart condemns me, wash it off. Wash it off with what Jesus did. Wash it off with the Word of God. Wash it off by resting in the “peace that passes all understanding.”
Wash it off and walk on.