What would happen if a young teen decided to drive to his friend’s house without taking a single driver’s ed class? Even if he felt confident because he’s been in a car many times and has seen how the drivers operate it. The key starts the car, the gas pedal makes it go, the brakes make it stop, and the steering wheel turns the car.
Easy peasy, no problem, right?
This could end up disastrously.
Studying the owner’s manual is crucial for recognizing road signs and what the lines on the road mean.
We need to know how to handle split-second situations, like a flat tire at high-speed or sliding on ice.
Missing these lessons can be disastrous.
An animal or small child dashing in front of your car, if you’re not attentive and aware of your surroundings,
it could end up disastrous.
.
The same applies to immature believers in the Lord.
How can we respond to the enemy’s attacks if we lack knowledge of God’s word?
It could end up disastrous
The enemy’s only objective is to slow down, hinder and if possible, stop any work of God in you or through you.
My study in the book of Ezra has shed some light onto the new journey of my new life and
I hope that this lesson will benefit you as well.
Many people are familiar with the story of the Jews being exiled to Babylon for 70 years.
After King Cyrus conquered the Babylonian Empire, he issued a decree allowing the exiled people to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their city and temple,
which had been destroyed by the Babylonians.
This marked a new beginning for them. It was an opportunity for them to renew and strengthen their faith.
The work on the temple came to a halt shortly after it began, lasting for 10 years before being resumed and finally completed.
The enemy was successfully in halting the rebuilding of the temple.
As one grows and matures in faith, the enemy will attempt to hinder or stop this progress by any means possible.
Remember that his only objective is to:
To slow down, hinder and if possible, stop any work of God
Many people don’t do well with counter attacks.
I know I sure don’t but with daily studies in God’s Word, I am getting stronger and stronger.
The first few chapters of Ezra, we learn different ways the enemy will attack.
Often in scripture, God does not take storms away in our lives but rather he hides in the storm and challenges us to………. Stand Strong in His Word.
Emotional Attacks
Ezra 3:12- talks about the elders wept when they saw the foundation of the new (second) temple, remembering the magnificence of the first temple,
while many others shouted aloud for joy.
Discouragement is one of Satan’s deceptive tools and if not careful, it can create strife among us.
The elders’ tears were a reflection of their disappointment.
This emotional reaction highlights how satan can use discouragement to attack our spirits.
The elders’ disappointment could have easily spread, causing strife among the people. It can divide and disrupt the unity of God’s people.
This scene serves as a reminder that we must be watchful against discouragement, as it can divide and weaken us if we allow it to take hold.
Encouragement from fellow believers, offer support and understanding, uplift one another, especially in times of difficulty. Turn to God for wisdom and strength when faced with discouragement and ask for His guidance through challenges without allowing them to disrupt our unity.
Ephesians 6:11″Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
Doubt
Ezra 3:3-
During the rebuilding of the temple, the Israelites also rebuilt the altar to restore proper worship and sacrifices. They faced hostility from neighboring peoples who opposed their return and their faith in God. Despite their fear, the Israelites showed courage and trust in God’s protection, demonstrating their dedication to growing in faith.
The lesson here is to stay strong in our faith. Satan often uses doubt as a tool to weaken and create fear in our hearts. When we doubt God’s plan, we become vulnerable. Like the Israelites, we must trust in God and remain strong in our faith. By doing so, we can overcome the enemy’s attempts to pull us down and we can continue to grow spiritually.
Never let the enemy pull us down with doubt. Instead, let our trust in God’s support be our foundation, helping us to stand firm against any opposition.
Deception
Ezra 4:1-3
describes how the enemies of Judah and Benjamin offered to help rebuild the temple, “claiming” they sought the same God. However, their offer was not genuine. They wanted the Israelites to conform to their ways, not to join in the Israelites’ worship.
The lesson for us is to be cautious about the influences we allow into our lives. Satan often uses deception to test our faith, trying to pull us away from God. Satan often disguises his attempts to lead us astray by presenting them as genuine offers of help or friendship.
By staying rooted in our faith, we can recognize these deceptive tactics and remain true to God’s path
Satan often tests the faith of believers, pulling them away from God.
2 Corinthians 11:14- “And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”
Selective Past History
Ezra 4:15
describes how the adversaries of Jerusalem tried to stop the rebuilding efforts by highlighting a selective and misleading history of rebellion against kings. They urged the king to review historical records to prove that Jerusalem was notorious for defying authority, hoping to intimidate him into halting the construction.
The lesson here is that not all claims made by people are truthful or made with good intentions.
Satan often uses distorted truths or selective facts to create doubt and confusion, which can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts and division within communities and families. His purpose is to disrupt our relationship with God, weaken our faith, and lead us astray, causing division among us.
Recognizing and resisting these tactics by maintain a life of integrity and honor and remain dedicated in our faith and resisting deceitful schemes.
Proverbs 19:5 “A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will not go free.”
Disinformation– spreading false report–
Ezra 4:13
describes how local adversaries opposed the restoration of Jerusalem. They sent a letter to the king, arguing that if Jerusalem were rebuilt, it would become a strong and independent city, refusing to pay taxes, tribute, or duties to the Persian empire. While Jerusalem had been rebellious in the past, it was never the intent to cease their obligations to the Persian rulers once the city was restored.
The enemy may use individuals in your life who claim to understand your intentions to spread false information or disinformation
Disinformation is a cleaver tactic the enemy loves to use against one another. No one can see into another person’s heart, and their motives and actions can be completely different from what someone else perceives.
Despite the numerous challenges faced by the Jewish people during the rebuilding of the temple,
Their trust in God ultimately led to a successful outcome.
Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
We all face storms in your life….I hate them, you hate them, we all hate them.
The enemy is constantly at work, creating obstacle to steer us off course from our spiritual journey.
Sometimes, the Lord may stay hidden in our storms, providing us with the opportunity to stand firm in His Word
Recognizing Satan’s devious tools is crucial for maintaining a spiritual walk with the Lord.
Satan uses various tactics as distorted truths, selective facts, discouragement, and deceitful schemes to undermine our faith, create division,
and disrupt our relationship with God.
1 Peter 5:8 “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
By staying vigilant, practicing humility, showing good judgment, grounding ourselves in Scripture, and upholding a life of integrity,
we can effectively counter these attacks.
This ensures that we can withstand and overcome any schemes Satan may use against us.
1 Corinthians 16:13: “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”
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