Bridget A. Thomas
Every day is a gift!
Greater Is He
Several weeks ago I wrote about The Best Thing I Did All Year. In this post I included a prayer based off of a couple of verses found in the Psalms. When I was typing up that blog post, the enemy tried to stop me from sharing it. The words I typed randomly disappeared from the screen. It was absurd. Yet I persevered and was able to get the post written. I wrote the blog post a few days ahead of time, and scheduled it to be published on that Friday.
There was more to the story that I didn’t mention in my post. After I scheduled it, I began to have doubts. Was this post really a good idea? I was tempted to alter it or scrap it. The truth is that when the enemy didn’t win via the route of meddling with my typing, he tried to get in my head. He couldn’t erase the words, but maybe he could get me to erase my own words. Even though I had doubts, I decided to stick with it.
But God…
After this debate in my mind occurred, I was reading in the book of Acts and felt a couple of nudges from God. There is a scene in Acts 5:17-21 where the apostles were in jail, but an angel of the Lord freed them, and told them to go to the temple courts to tell everyone about the new life of faith in Jesus. In my Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible, Dr. Stanley wrote the following about this verse: “God wants His words of life to go forth!”
Later in Acts 5:40-41, the apostles were flogged and they rejoiced in suffering for Jesus. About this Dr. Stanley wrote, “The enemy does not attack backslidden believers who do not honor God, because they’re just as he wants them – complacent, apathetic, and fruitless. Rather, the devil focuses his worst onslaughts on believers who are making a difference for the kingdom.”
(Ironically the day that I read these words, and recorded them in my journal, was also the day Charles Stanley passed away.)
Now we have come full circle. Once again I feel awkward sharing this. I don’t want it to sound like I think I am a high and mighty Christian. I am not. But these words did help me to understand that the enemy was attacking, and he didn’t want me to spread praises and prayers to the Lord.
Not all Christians talk about the devil, but he is real. And he does attack. He knows we are secure in Jesus, so he can’t have our souls. But he will still try to trip us up and keep us from spreading the Good News. He might try to pull our desires to worldly things in order to tear down our testimony. Or he might try to bring division in our relationships, so we won’t be a powerful witness. These are just some examples.
I have heard of many Christian writers who have experienced hardships when working on a book. The Kendrick brothers, who have created several Christian films, have also talked about attacks with every film. Often the attacks are related to the theme of the film.
We will all face problems. But often times they are not a coincidence. There is a real enemy out there who wants to hold us back. As Jesus said in John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy…”
It’s important to remember that Jesus has already defeated him. Jesus already won.
Colossians 2:15 NIV says, “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, [Christ] made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”
We can declare victory, thanks to Jesus. The Messiah has overcome. And thanks to Him, we too are victorious. We can stand strong and confident, knowing the Lord is beside us. Our Almighty God is more powerful than anything the enemy throws at us. As it says in 1 John 4:4 (KJV), “…greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”
Remember your true identity in Jesus:
- You are a new person. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
- You are a child of God. (John 1:12)
- The Holy Spirit lives inside of you. (1 Corinthians 3:16)
- You are forgiven. (Colossians 1:14)
- You are as clean as snow. (Isaiah 1:18)
- You have been adopted into God’s family. (Ephesians 1:5)
- You are a joint heir with Christ. (Romans 8:17)
- You are the light of the world. (Matthew 5:14-16)
- You are the salt of the earth. (Matthew 5:13)
- You are chosen and appointed. (John 15:16)
- You cannot be separated from God’s love. (Romans 8:38)
- God rejoices over you. (Zephaniah 3:17)
Thank you for reading! I hope you have a blessed weekend!
© 2018-2023 Bridget A. Thomas
Bridget A. Thomas 
Amen! “It’s important to remember that Jesus has already defeated him. Jesus already won.” The past few weeks, I’ve experienced similar “oddities” that can only be explained as spiritual warfare. It’s been intense at times. But God has also been gracious in revealing Himself amid these battles, reassuring me and reminding me that I’m fighting a battle He has already won (Google the song).
Thanks for sharing your recent experiences battling in the spiritual realm and for the encouraging reminders of who we are in Christ. Abundant blessings!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Rainer, I am sorry that you have been under some spiritual attacks recently. The enemy doesn’t like how much good you do in your community, and for those in need, and you have had more opportunities to preach recently as well. But how amazing to hear that God has been beside you through it all. What a loving Father we have. I will be praying for you! Abundant blessings to you as well, my friend. (And yes I will definitely google the song 🙂)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bridget, what you share is so real and true. The enemy does attack and and I have grown to recognise these times. Last year, hubby and I were initiating a Bible study and I found myself feeling so grumbly towards some who were part of it and it was making me not want to entirely commit to making it all happen alongside my hubby. I realised a bit later that it was the enemy’s attack on trying to put a stop to it. Made me reflect that he ardently try to disrupt a small group of a handful of people how much more under attack are pastors and others who hold a larger platform.
Glad you persevered my friend. This post was such a beautiful reminder to be aware and to persevere.
Blessings and have a great weekend 💙💐
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for sharing that story, Manu. And you make a good point that the enemy likely attacks those with a larger platform even more. And as with your situation, sometimes it is difficult to recognize at first. I pray we can keep our eyes open. That is a big part of every battle – knowing when the enemy is at work. And then we can take the right steps forward. Thank you, friend! Blessings to you as well! And I hope your weekend is lovely 🦋
LikeLiked by 1 person
I understand the struggle little sister. I had my moments while writing my book. A lot of psiritual warfare.
LikeLike
I’ve experienced the type of spiritual warfare you describe, Bridget. Most recently, after a break through with God (dealing with job related stress). The same evening the Lord’s love broke through, I received a message from someone I love dearly telling me they reject him. The timing was no coincidence. Satan and his demon buddies are chess players who love to put God’s children in check. Like you said checkmate is off the board, but they don’t want us to remember that. More power to you, sister! God’s wisdom and power are unlimited!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Although I am sorry to hear about what happened, I thank you for sharing your story. You’re right, they don’t want us to remember that they already lost. Many times it can be difficult for us to see past the problem in font of us. But when remember it is a spiritual battle, we can seek Almighty God. As you said, His wisdom and power are unlimited! Amen 🙏🙌
LikeLike
Keep fighting the good fight. I take immeasurable comfort in knowing “greater is He in me than he who is in the world.” ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a good point, Judy. Sometimes we hear Bible verses so much, we forget how deep the meaning is. This is an important truth to tuck in our hearts. Thank you! ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s so true that the devil is actively working against the good we put forth. Thank you for sharing your experience!
LikeLiked by 1 person
But I’m so thankful we have Almighty God on our side. And an army of angels! Thank you for stopping by, my friend. It’s always wonderful to hear from you! 🤍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for this post, Bridget. It came at just the right time for me. Two weeks ago I agreed to give my testimony on Monday, June 5th. Which I still plan to do. However, the devil has been shooting his arrows at me from all angles. The latest came tonight from a person I consider a friend. They called me a wolf in sheep’s clothing. I am so hurt by this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh no, I am so sorry to hear that. Even when we know the devil is behind the attacks, it doesn’t stop us from feeling hurt. Especially when friends or family are involved. I will be praying hard for you, my friend! God is beside you and He knows your heart. ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very true Bridget. The enemy is working to bring us down. We must never underestimate him and we must put on the full armor of God daily. The enemy will use people and situations to try and discourage us, but as you mentioned, greater is He who lives in us than he who is in the world. I’m glad you pressed through and published your post! Blessings my friend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Dawn! I’m so glad we have God on our side through every battle. There is no one better to fight for us. Blessings to you too, my friend! 💜🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
I so understand this. Too often I seek to take on these battles on my own and not looking up. One day I will learn what is always going to be the right way.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know what you mean. When we are caught off guard, our instinct is to rush forward to tackle the problem. But you make a great point – We need to rely on the strength of the Lord! He will never let us down. 🙌
LikeLike
Thank you for this, Bridget. I’ve been wondering if God would want me to stop the pursuit of a project because it had become such a struggle. I do want to stand strong and confident in what he’d have me do, one way or the other. You’ve spoken encouragement into my spirit to press on!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so honored to know this post helped you in that area. And I do know what you mean. I’ve been at crossroads like that before as well. I’m so thankful God is always there to guide us, even when the enemy tries to stop us. I pray your project gets easier and that you have peace about it. 🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person