– Monday Muse –
Dear One, I could begin this muse by saying, “I don’t believe it.” But I won’t do that, for I do believe it. I have always been too fond of Chuckles, the little five pack of fruit flavored candies: lemon, lime, cherry, grape and licorice. Because of this, years ago, I decided that I should not buy the candy anymore, ever. And in this particular denial, I have been quite successful, not so with some others.
My narrative begins on the third Monday that a friend, and I, agreed to fast and pray for each other’s similar concerns. Early that very afternoon my husband, Ron, came home with seven boxes of movie theater candy for an upcoming grandchild’s birthday. Unaware of my ban on Chuckles, what did he have in the mix? He had a brand new item, a movie theater box of Chuckles Mini’s, 36 to a box, not five in a box, 36! Chuckles, and me fasting, not having eaten since last night’s early dinner! I said, “I don’t believe it.” Then I quickly added, “Yes, I do, for that is how Satan works!” He is persistently devious.
At that point, one might believe that it was just a coincidence. And yes, it could be, but Satan knows all of our weaknesses, and uses them against us. Anytime that we are making a new move toward God, it is wise to be on the alert for pushback, and stand firm.
Satan blatantly pushed back when I first attended the church that we have attended for decades. He nearly forced me to leave. But just as I was looking down the pew at my husband, and our five children thinking that we should get out of there, I suddenly realized that I was under Satan’s attack. That awareness gave me all the backbone I needed to say, “My family and I will not leave!” And you know what happened? That particular pushback never occurred again.
Satan was foiled then, and his efforts were foiled that third Monday. Although, I did wonder if I might have to ask Ron to hide the Chuckles!
It is love for God, which causes Christians to do all that they can to break away from Satan’s grip, and strive to live victoriously to the end.
“We cherish our lives not for personal gain,
but as God’s tools for glorifying His name.”
But to continue in these battle weary times, with right being wrong and wrong being right, we must be ever on the alert for the ploys of the unrelenting Discourager.
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
Blessings,
Susanne
For a printed copy, with or without photo, click green dot on left side at the bottom of this page.
If you would like a Monday reminder, and quick link, in your email to next week’s post, just sign-in at the secure registry at the top of this page, and click GO. For a private conversation, please write your message on the Contact page.
