Devil Fights Too

I have to constantly remind myself that when I level up my commitment to God, the devil levels up his commit to destroy me & everything God has planned for me.

These past 2 weeks or so have been filled with anxiety, patience that seemed like it was always on the verge of running out and a growing sense of self-loathe. I could at least pin point the sources of my overall stress – managing my team at work, strained relationships and feeling unsure of “what’s next.”

I was so frustrated with the way my emotions started betraying the progress I thought we were making. Prior to this anxiety-ridden few weeks, I had begun to feel more sure of myself + consistent with being good to my mind, spirit and body. I was doing the work to combat what felt like “lifelessness”.

Despite the stress, anxiety and lack of motivation – y’all know I couldn’t just sit and wallow in it for too long (because I can proudly say I do not allow myself much time for it anymore).

1. VERBAL OUTLET: I started to reach out for support – friends & family who could lend a listening ear, prayer or words of encouragement.
2. SPIRITUAL OUTLET: I searched for specific Bible plans that were relevant to the sources of the stress and how to better navigate it – if you do not already use the “Plans” feature in the Bible app, do yourself a favor and spend some time searching through it. Thank me later.
3. PHYSICAL OUTLET: I made time for fitness. I wasn’t sleeping well, which was further contributing to the stress. I knew I was robbing myself of the opportunity to better equip myself for this internal warfare.
4. MENTAL OUTLET: I needed frequent reminders of who I was, so I brought back the daily affirmations. I know what you’re thinking – who the hell told me to ever stop speaking positively to myself out loud, right? Just my complacency. But no worries, we’re back at it.

You see, I forgot about the spiritual domino effect that happens when our relationship with Christ gets deeper and our faith grows stronger. While the devil is no match for God, he is certainly a match for someone with no or wavering faith. When He sees our confidence in Christ grow in the midst of trying times, he works double time to knock us off our path. When God continues to bless us with clarity, purpose, grace, wisdom and strength, the devil tries harder to trick, defeat and destroy us.

How does the saying go….”He got the right one.” To make it plain – I’m not about to let the devil play me like his puppet. I’m not his fool and my life is not his show. I’m God’s child and He doesn’t play about me or anyone connected to me.

We all need to remember this every time we overcome a hurdle or walk into a new blessing – the devil is coming, so gear up! Are you praying? Pray some more. Are you mediating on & studying His word? Meditate and study some more. Are you pushing yourself to keep running your race? Keep going.

All in all, I want us to expect trials and attacks, but do it without fear. I want us to expect to overcome our trials and walk into our blessings, knowing that we will have to fight to stay obedient, disciplined and focused on our priorities.

Listen – don’t let these “stumps” keep you down. Staying “down” and giving up is the only way we truly fail in life.

My advice to you – don’t ever stop fighting for the life that is meant for you. If you need to cry while you pray or say your affirmations, do it. If you need to tell and scream while you work out, do it. Just keep going. Keep fighting.

xoxoxoxo,
DASH