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“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines
the course of your life.” ~ Proverbs 4:23
“Matters of the Heart” is a weekly blog that deals with the deepest issues of the human heart, the issues we all face but sometimes don’t want to talk about. The heart is the programming center of our lives. What is programmed into our heart will affect every area of our lives. Learn how to examine your heart and how to program your heart for success.
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I’m not going to write the expected blog post about new year resolutions and goals. You’ve heard that message over and over and probably know it by heart.
Instead, in this last post of 2018, I want to share how God periodically reminds us that we are but flesh and desperately in need of a Savior.
Over the Christmas season, I was blindsided by an attack of the enemy that sent me reeling. Now, for one of his attacks to send me reeling after 48 years of walking with the Lord is a major thing for me. But, as I look back, I can see that the very reason the attack surprised me is that I had been emotionally troubled over a situation, and I had tried to take matters into my own hands instead of giving it to the Lord.
Now, I should have known better, but I didn’t. This was God’s way of reminding me that I must always be on my guard because Satan will attack when I least expect him to attack. And he usually attacks when things are going great!
It was also God’s way of reminding me that I am totally and absolutely dependent on Him for everything. And I mean EVERYTHING!
Without getting into boring detail, the attack was a relationship attack involving several people I love, an attack that brought with it misunderstanding, faulty perception, unrealistic expectations, and hurt feelings.
So, where did I go wrong? I opened my mouth when I should not have. I offered advice when it was not mine to offer. Even though my heart motive was to love, I did not use wisdom in expressing that love to the persons involved. The situation called for silence on my part, and I did not keep silent. Instead, I tried to fix the problem when it was not mine to fix.
So, what did I do? I ran boldly to God’s throne of mercy and grace and told Him I blew it! God and I have the kind of intimate relationship where I am not afraid to tell Him everything I do wrong. After all, He already knows what I’ve done. He just wants me to acknowledge my sin and receive His forgiveness and cleansing.
What happened when I confessed my sin? God forgave me and cleansed me, just as He promises He will do in 1 John 1:9. And just as He will do for you, too, when you blow it and sin.
Thank God for His mercy, grace, and forgiveness! And thank God for those who are always ready and quick to forgive me when I mess up!
I especially thank God for reminding me that I must always stay alert, for when I least expect it, Satan will strike (1 Peter 5: 8). I encourage you, too, to stay alert. Don’t be blindsided by the devil—now or ever!
Now, it’s YOUR turn: What about you? Have you ever been blindsided by the enemy? Please share your questions and insights in the Comments box below. Thank you!
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If you found this post helpful, please forward it to a friend. Thank you! You may also be interested in reading the following popular posts:
“How to Destroy Mental Strongholds”
“Convergence: Clear Sign of the End Times”
“The Rise of Wicca, Witches, and Warlocks”
“How to Recognize a Controlling Spirit”
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A Moment with MaryAnn – Podcasts on Living the Good Life
Winning with the Word Podcast Series
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Thanks for being so transparent, Dr. M. What a great post! Over the holidays, I was under severe attack as well. But I learned some things in the process that will help me to have a better 2019 and beyond. The other day, I posted on Facebook, “If you are going through a nightmare, be determined when you wake up, you will be the devil’s worst nightmare.” So at least we know if we handle the attacks properly, as you did, the devil is going to be defeated, and we are going to a higher spiritual level when it’s all said and done. Happy New Year!
You are most welcome, Tracey. When we share one another’s challenges, we witness and experience the truth of 1 Corinthians 10: 13: “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience.” Praise God for the Body of Christ that upholds us as we uphold our brothers and sisters in Christ!
Yes, I have heard from several other Christ-Followers that the attacks are increasing in intensity. Satan is angry for he knows his time is short. I love your comment about being “the devil’s worst nightmare!” Amen and Amen!
Happy New Year to you, too, dear sister in Christ!