By Sheree Craig
I love the change of seasons. Each holds a beauty I look forward to experiencing. Winter provides a blanket of white snow, warm hot chocolate, comfy clothes, and a good Hallmark movie. Spring offers the freshest air to breathe (for those without allergies), the greenest grass, the sweet sounds of birds singing, and the blooms of Bradford Pear trees. Summer allows for exploring the outdoors by hiking, swimming, playing late into the evening, and the clearest view of a night sky. Fall brings hoodies and jeans, fires by night, beautiful foliage, and the best temperatures of the year in my opinion.
Each season provides something special. The seasons exemplify the very creations of God. Look and you will find it daily: a small, beautiful, blue bird sitting atop a roof, the warmth of a summer sun, rainfall at just the perfect time, an amazing clear night sky with a glowing moon. . . The list goes on and on. His beautiful creation is everywhere.
Amongst all this beauty, you were the most beautiful creation He touched and designed. “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well” (Psalm 139:13-14).
In the seasons of our life, we change. Each season holds a beautiful experience to look forward to and enjoy. The struggle appears when the chaos of life, lies of social media, and emotions arising, steal our beautiful experience. We become blind to the beauty around and within us.
If we allow the enemy the slightest foothold in our thoughts, he will take it and run with it. The enemy will devour any positive thought, beautiful emotion or peaceful moment. I know this tactic of his all too well.
The enemy found an opening into my thoughts when I was young. He found the moment when I was most vulnerable and creeped in ever so slowly. One thought at a time, he took over. Right before my very eyes, my life was taken. I felt defeated and powerless to overcome negative thoughts replaying like a broken record, expecting the worst in each situation and deeming myself unworthy of this life.
God held a mighty plan, bigger than any tactic the enemy could conjure up. God breaks through any dark season in our lives and pulls us into the light. He speaks louder than the enemy. He opens our eyes to begin seeing clearly and enjoy the beauty in each season we encounter. God moved in as I laid down in surrender. He began fighting the enemy when I surrendered the battle. We are not strong enough on our own to defeat the enemy’s tactics. God sees the bigger picture, and he holds the plans for each season.
The enemy will continue to prowl around, looking for a foothold into our lives. Be on guard, prepare your mind before the enemy can attempt a conniving lie. “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
Fight with truth, prayer, worship songs, and sharing love with others. This kills the enemy’s efforts, silences his words, and sends him running with his tail tucked between his legs.
Oh, but he will try to return. We must remain on guard. Place the armor on daily that God provides. Prepare for the spiritual battle of each day. The enemy does not choose favorites. He will try to steal everyone from God. Currently, the enemy works diligently on my sweet, beautiful daughter. He sees how beautiful her spirit shines and works to dull her light. The enemy is using the same tactics he did on me to try and steal my beautiful daughter’s thoughts.
The enemy does not discriminate. He will move in on any foothold and work to steal a sweet spirit from God. The enemy has no limits. He will use any tactic to tear down a relationship between us and God.
“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” (1 Peter 5:9).
The good news, dear friends, is that God has already defeated the enemy. He can squash all efforts the enemy attempts to steal our spirit. God wins every time. God is bigger than anything the enemy can conjure up. Remain in His Word daily and He will be louder than the devil. Keep praying harder than the enemy can work.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
