the greenest grass around

Have you ever felt like the world was against you?

I am pretty sure you have at some point. That seems to be my life’s motto for the last year and a half.

This past week was awful.

Let’s relate this back to our Bible reading. In Psalms we read about David being plotted against and pursued many times. We know that Paul and all of the disciples were persecuted. Jesus himself was betrayed by a friend and turned against by people who were just praising his name. So we know that, as a Christian, you will face difficulties in this life.

Many times we think it is a person that is trying to tear us down. But in reality, it’s the devil. John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

*How has the devil tried to tear you down lately?

As most of you may know, I finally released my book, Beautifully Broken a story about the tragic loss of our son and how I processed the first year of that pain and grief. I used Amazon publishing because it was so easy and cheap. I also published a few prayer journals and devotionals. This past week, someone on social media accused me of stealing material from someone else. As someone who worked on a dissertation and writes, I understand the importance and seriousness of plagiarism. Essentially, it was a complete oversight on my part. The other author and I used the same AI content creation website to make the cover of the journal. I should have done a better job of looking at other journals on amazon before posting my journal. I do take responsibility for that.

But when I was confronted with this information, I immediately apologized and took down my journal in question. Alas, this was not good enough. I was bullied and accused of all kinds of things on social media.

I had already been thinking of taking a break from social media over the holidays and this seemed to be the perfect excuse.

Aside from that, someone reported my account for plagiarism to amazon and my account has been disabled. They have a strict policy, understandable. I can appeal the report but it will take several weeks and based on research, they will porbley not reinstate my account.

Yes, I made a mistake by not doing my best at researching before I published my journal, but in the end, this is just one of the devil’s schemes to derail what God is doing. I will take a step back over the holidays, pray about what God wants me to do and we will see where God leads.

I read in Jeremiah today, “Pay attention to me, Lord. Hear what my opponents are saying! Should good be repaid with evil? Yet they have dug a pit for me… But you Lord, know all their deadly plots against me. Do not wipe out their iniquity; do not blot out their sin before you. Let them be forced to stumble before you. Deal with them in the time of your anger” (Jeremiah 18: 19&23, NIV)

I have to remember that the Lord will deal with this. I could be mad and attempt to retaliate but I choose not to. The Lord will handle it. I will not give into the devil’s plots against me.

This only makes be even more sure that I am doing what God has planned for me. If I was not, the devil would not be working so hard against it. The enemy is real.

*When was a time the devil tried to attack you because you were doing something for God? How did you respond?

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8, NIV)

The devil is the one attacking us, he uses people, situations, and other worldly things to his advantage.

HOW CAN WE DEFEND OURSELVES AGAINST THE DEVIL’S ATTACKS:

1. Put on the full armor of God: This will help you be protected and prepared when the devil attacks.
   • “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.  Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.  In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;  and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,  praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.” (Ephesians 6:10-18, NIV)
2. Have a Christian support group: Keeping Godly council is one of the best ways to ensure you are staying on the right track and encouraged when things do happen.
   • If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. (1 Corinthians 12:26, NIV)
   • Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:9–12, NIV)
3. Be aware: We know the devil is out to get us. We have to keep that in mind and guard our hearts and minds.
   •  no weapon forged against you will prevail,
         and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.
     This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,
         and this is their vindication from me,”
     declares the Lord. (Isaiah 54:17, NIV)

I pray that you can praise God in the midst of troubles. This is only a speed bump or a detour in your path God has designed for you. Do not let the devil win. We know how this story ends.