The Battle Wages

The assaults are random and unexpected. When least expected, they arrive unannounced attempting to distract and discourage. Those random reminders from the past of how I messed up, made a mistake, said something I shouldn’t have, or failed to act when needed, play like a series of reruns through my mind.

The enemy loves to remind us vividly and constantly of our past mistakes and assures us that we are not worthy because of them; that God can’t use us due to our failures. But God steps into our stories, and the narrative swerves in a different direction. Although we messed up, He brings beauty out of the ashes. Our first action should be a prayer for forgiveness. I John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Once we pray, we are cleansed from sins, failures and mistakes.

Although we are walking in freedom, the enemy doesn’t want us to forget. He continually attacks with accusations to keep us defeated and attempts to hinder us from living in victory. God provides a powerful tool for us to fight this onslaught – His Word. Take the time to read how Jesus responded with Scripture when the enemy tempted Him in the wilderness (Luke 4:1-13). When the enemy assaults, mediate on 2 Corinthians 10:5, “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” Remember that you have been made righteous through Jesus's work on the cross so remind the accuser of what God says.

If reminders of past mistakes play like a movie across your mind, take those thoughts captive by quoting 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” You have been made new, the old is behind you. Then remind yourself of what God is doing in you now. Spend time studying Isaiah 43:19, “Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” God desires to see you grow and succeed on your journey and equips you with what you need to thrive.

I love a favorite saying of a pastor I worked with for many years. He reminded us that we are not perfect people, we are “getting back up” people. Every one of us makes mistakes. What matters is what we do after the failure. Do we allow it to ruin our day, week, or lives; or do we permit God to teach us, correct us and train us so He can use us for His glory.

Falls are hard. But winning in the race of life occurs when we get back up and keep running.

If you are fighting the reruns of past failures and attacks of the enemy, stand on God’s Word and declare that victory in your life. Memorize scripture to brandish against the accuser when the skirmish gets intense. Do not allow him to hold you back. Remember God is on your side, so the battle is already won.