One of the things that I have experienced my whole life is that after I have gone to a spiritual mountain with God, Satan always attacks. For instance, two weeks ago I had a spiritually exhilarating experience when I went to camp BigStuf with our youth. I mean every day it just seemed like that God was noticeably present and speaking into my life. However, that all changed when I got back from the trip. I can't explain what happened or why it happened other than to say that I believe that Satan will do anything to try and stop us from experiencing God like I did at camp. I know many of you who read this blog probably have experienced the same thing. One moment God is moving in extraordinary ways in your life and then Satan attacks. Below is a list of things that help me minimize what Satan tries to do.
1. Making sure I get enough rest. One of the things I am confident that Satan capitalizes on is our exhaustion. Any time we are mentally, physically or spiritually exhausted, Satan has an easier time of having his way.
2. Staying busy. I know this seems like a contradiction to #1, but a full schedule with little idol time helps defeat the adversary. Whenever we know that we are vulnerable, getting busy and focused on productive tasks keeps us from from being easy prey.
3. Being held accountable. Recently I downloaded a tool called "Covenant Eyes" to my laptop. This is a program that enables my accountability partner to see wherever I have been on the Internet. I did this not because I struggle with porn or going to sites that I shouldn't. I did it to make sure that I never will. Having someone holding us accountable to living a Godly life is essential to keeping the adversary at bay.
4. Making sure I don't forsake going to church. Interestingly enough, one of the optimum times for people to stay away from church is after they have been on a spiritual retreat. Heck, I almost didn't go the Sunday I got back from BigStuf. Mark Patterson was preaching and my rationale was that I had had enough spiritual stuff for the week. It wouldn't have hurt me to stay home and rest on that Sunday, but it certainly didn't hurt me to go either. I am convinced that the discipline of going to church and being around others who can encourage us in our faith is essential to defending ourselves against Satan's onslaught.
I hope this helps any of you who feel like you have been under attack lately. Remember, the Bible makes it clear that if we "Submit ourselves to God and resist the devil then he will flee from us." James 4:7. You and I can be more than conquerors if we are prepared and ready to rumble when Satan comes knocking.
God Bless.
Blake
It is great to hear when people begin a process of accountability BEFORE any pornography problems! Continue the fight!
Luke Gilkerson
Internet Community Manager, Covenant Eyes
www.CovenantEyes.com/Blog
Posted by: Luke | July 24, 2008 at 07:49 AM