1 Peter 5:8-9; 2 Corinthians 2:11; 1 Corinthians 15: 57
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
Welcome to 2020 – a new decade of exploits, greatness, restoration, fulfilment, and empowerment! In this decade God is set to do amazing things in our midst – He will set the captives free, heal the broken-hearted, break boundaries for us, bring us breakthroughs, elevate us to our destinies, restore all we have lost, put an end to long seated issues, bring answers to prayers, empower us to fulfil our dreams and purposes, etc.
However, as God is set to do all these, the devil (full of his old tricks), has also set things in place with the aim of stopping the blessings God has in store for us. Let me summarize the devil’s plans with one word – ‘distractions’! While we would not elevate the devil in any way possible, we are also not ignorant of his devices and schemes!
God is making it clear to us that in order to receive all He has for us this year (or in this decade), we have to be laser-focused! This is the revelation God downloaded into my spirit today (Jan 2, 2020) during my quiet time – these two words were played repeatedly in my spirit this morning – laser-focused, laser-focused, laser-focused!
The dictionary describes the meaning of laser focus as intensely paying attention to a single object, concept, person, or activity, to the exclusion of everything else! This means we have to be so focused on God that we have zero tolerance for distractions! God revealed three main areas the devil would seek to distract us this year – though these are his old tricks, he is planning a great deal of intensity (in these areas) in a way that could overwhelm and derail us from all God has planned for us!
Three areas to guard against:
Emotional Attacks – Beware of worry, anxiety, fear, depression, stress, anger, sadness, grief, loneliness, jealousy, etc. The devil`s attacks have always been on the mind, the seat of all emotions. We have to guard against all forms of emotional attacks so we are not hindered.
Busyness – One of the things the devil is planning is to keep us increasingly busy with good works! Such as, our daily lives/activities, work/career, ministry, etc., so we no longer have the time to spend with God nor sit in His presence! There is nothing wrong with doing ‘good works’, but it becomes an idol when it takes the place of God. And this could constitute an impediment on our paths to victory.
Conflicts – The devil knows he cannot get you to pick a fight, so he brings the fight to your door-step (in anticipation you’ll take the bait)! These fights could be from your loved ones, friends, co-workers, boss, etc., to get you engaged or roped in without even realizing it! And we could miss God while we are busy defending ourselves, or engaging in these fights.
So what do we do? Prepare for battle now! Get your weapons sharpened and ready! Ask yourself, ‘what will I do when the devil attacks with negative emotions, undue busyness, or conflicts’? Be on the offensive; be intentional! Pray and ask God to give you weapons (strategies) to conquer the devil in these three main disruptive areas.
Remember you are fighting from a place of victory. So resist the devil and he will flee from you! (James 4:7).
To be forewarned is to be forearmed!
Shalom.