Who’s your biggest enemy? If you answered, “Me,” I have news for you. You’ve been listening to the father of lies.
One hat our worst enemy wears reads Accuser. His whispers taunt us while we sleep and while awake. “It’s your fault. You’re no good. God’s forgotten you.” It’s easy to confuse his voice with our own.
Using the acronym DARTS, we’re contrasting the thoughts the father of lies sows with Christ’s character. Today we look at the A in DARTS, the Accuser. (The series begins here.)
Accusing thoughts condemn, criticize, and blame with the purpose of shaming and manipulating us. Revelation 12:10 says Satan accuses believers before our God day and night. Zechariah 3 depicts this.
The devil tempts us with promises like, “It won’t hurt anything. No one will know.” The moment we succumb, he turns from tempter to accuser. “And you call yourself a Christian. God can’t use you.” Even when we resist his temptations, he may still accuse us. “Scaredy cat, look what you missed. No one likes a goody two-shoes.” The devil never plays fair.
Beware of Being Manipulated by the Accuser
A rape victim shared her tragic story with me. Her attacker lived in her apartment complex. Late one night he rapped at her door. Knowing he was bad news, she told him to leave. He cried and said she was the nicest person he knew. “Please let me in. I just need to talk.”
Wisdom said send him away. But the accuser hissed, “If you were a good Christian you’d care more about his eternal soul than your comfort. If you had faith, you wouldn’t be afraid to talk with him. How can you call yourself a Christian and turn him away?” She opened the door.
Years ago, our son needed my cooperation to move forward with a high-risk plan. I prayed about it and had no peace. When I told him, the accuser clobbered me—with Scripture.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NASB 1995)
Was fear holding me back? But if God wanted me to do this, why did I lack peace? As I prayed and wrestled, the light dawned. I was not hearing “Be strong….” I was hearing, “If you were strong and courageous….” Satan was jeering, “Prove your faith.”
Once I recognized the accuser, the taunts ceased. That little word if exposed the accuser. He used the same tactic with Jesus.
[The devil] “said to Him, ‘If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will command His angels concerning You.’’” (Matthew 4:6 NASB 1995).
When our thoughts and/or Scripture oppress and challenge our faith and identity as children of God, recognize the accuser. How do we resist him? With the help of our Advocate.
Next week we’ll look at Jesus our Advocate and how differently He deals with us even when we sin.
Who’s your biggest enemy? If you answered, “Me,” I have news for you. You’ve been listening to the father of lies. #discernment, #wisdom Click To Tweet
Strength Builder: Is this thought self-focused, sin-focused, or shame-focused? If you answered yes, then the Accuser is speaking. Replace shaming thoughts with Christ’s promises.
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Blessings,
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#InstaEncouragements, #TellHisStory, #Let’sHaveCoffee, #Grace&Truth
Thank you for pointing out Satan’s use of “if you…” An important distinction to remember!
Thanks, Kim. It has helped me in hearing others talk about their struggles too.
So well explained Debbie. This is so important to understand. Really recognizing whose voice we are hearing is key!
Ann, the devil sure is a master manipulator. We do need to know our Shepherd’s voice!
Great thoughts, Debbie. We do need to stay aware of the devil’s tactics so we can silence his voice.
thanks, Barbara. We certainly don’t want to confuse his accusations with the Spirit’s prodding.
Such a small word – “if” – but the enemy sure knows how to make grand use of it. May we learn to distinguish the voice speaking to us so that we do not fall prey to the enemy’s tactic.
Yes. One small word changes the whole tone, spirit, and meaning. Thanks, Joanne.
thank you Debbie
Thank you, Lou.
He is a liar and an accuser and he has perfected it over thousands of years. May we know the truth as it is the only thing that can set us free from his lies and his accusations.
Donna, I’m thankful the Scripture gives us these examples so we can be aware. Thank you.
This is a powerful and practical message that we all can use to evaluate the voice in our head. Thanks, Debbie.
Thanks, Annie. I hope it will help people quickly recognize when they’re in a spiritual battle and run to Jesus!
For many years I listened to all his accusations about my past. He works hard to keep us doubting our faith and calling. Thanks for this great message. It was very helpful
He certainly does. I’m so thankful the Holy Spirit keeps reminding us of truth!
May we never underestimate our enemy—or the greater power of our Advocate! Thanks for the clear thinking and the warning!
Love how you put that, Michele. May we remember our Advocate is always greater!
I totally enjoy your DARTS content, Debbie.
The Accuser is short lived, yet he is thrashing around with the time he has.
We must be alert.
Thank, Linda. “Thrashing around” describes him well!
I appreciate this series, Debbie, as you’re giving us awareness that the enemy wanders around but yet the focus is on Jesus and His power in our lives as believers and beloved sons and daughters.
Thank you, Linda. Lot more fun to focus on Jesus!
So true Ms. Debbie. I allowed Satan to accuse me so much in my early Christian walk that I returned to accusing myself for all that God had released me from.
J.D., he’s used that one on me many times. Thanks for adding your thoughts!