“8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast. 11 To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.” (NLT)
Once you are saved, you are justified by Christ and have peace with God through this justification (Rom 5:1). So why is it that we sway back and forth between pride or doubt? Or that we have addictions, intrusive thoughts or behaviors that harm us?
There is something important you need to understand, the enemy wants your heart. Your self-worth. He is looking to make you feel defeated, go against God, or tempt you to run into all kinds of thoughts and behaviors that are harmful.
So is that is the bad news. But the good news is that there is direction on what to do. We are told to:
- Resist the Enemy: challenge the thoughts, or actions or desires. Whatever you are struggling with. Read the word, listen to Christian music, and remove all things that feed self-doubt, toxic behaviors, or disbelief.
- Stand Firm in Faith: Pray to God. Share your struggles with faithful friends, and read the word. Know who you are in Christ. Times of trials can be so isolating, but be assured, you are not alone in this season. Your faith may sway, but its ok. Remember, it is not in our ability, but in God’s gracious gift of salvation and grace that we even have faith.
- Believe God Will Restore You. One of the most important elements is to know that God never abandons us when we put our faith in him. Seasons of weariness when God feels far away, are part of the journey. But we have hope and promise that God will restore us. The work is done, Christ has overcome the world and we will be victorious. As we go through these trails we can look back and see how God provided. These seasons are normal for all believers, and they are so uncomfortable. You are not being punished, God is always good.
If we can trust in this: that all of us are suffering, and in this process, we become strong, firm, and steadfast (v.10). Whether you are facing a trial now, have just come out of one, or have one to come, seasons of rooting (seasons where we are in trials), teach us how to slow down, challenge our thoughts, share with others, and depend on God.
Part of being human is struggling, but we have been set free from all of our sins (Acts 13:39). The enemy may hurl them at us, but you need to know who you are in Christ and that is beloved, set apart, free and chosen.
If you find yourself in a particularly difficult season where you are feeling isolated, depressed, or anxious and it lasts more than a few weeks, seek counseling. Spiritual, emotional and physical wellness are elements of holistic wellness as we live as embodied persons. In times of crisis, we can need additional support. Don’t feel afraid to start therapy. God can show you the right person, just used prayer and discernment.
