I’m sure you know how it feels to be ‘coming down’ with a cold or other illness. Well, I feel like I am coming down with something but it isn’t a cold. It is called Satan-itis. I feel like Satan is trying his darndest to draw me away from Jesus. He is trying to distract me from my calling and my time with the Lord using any weapon that he has in his pitiful arsenal.
First, he distracted me over the past week or so by all the traveling that we have done. It is more difficult to keep up with your quiet time when you are traveling and not in your usual space. I was pretty good about my time in the Word, but my prayer time was significantly shortened and boy, can I ever tell it. It is so frightening to me how easily I can become distracted and casual about my prayer time.
Next, Satan knew that I was between Bible studies, so he made sure that the depth of my reading and studying was significantly less than before. Before I knew it, I was simply glossing over my Bible study in the mornings.
Ahhh, but Satan forgot about the precious Holy Spirit abiding within my heart and the conviction that only He can bring. In no time flat the Spirit was whispering to my heart, “Leah, you are sliding away. Come back. Draw close. Offer up a sacrifice of prayer and praise to the One Who gave His life for you. Do whatever it takes to get back into intense prayer and a deep study of the Word!”
I believe that Satan fears the calling that God has placed on my life–a calling to teach and speak for Christ–and he is trying every trick in his nasty little book to draw me away from that.
He will not succeed in drawing me away from my Lord. I desire to walk closely beside Him, listening for His voice and feeling His presence. The only way that can happen and keep happening is if I do my part and stay diligent in prayer and Bible study. He WILL be faithful to draw near to me!
I am reminded of Psalm 3:3 and once again, it is proving to be my life verse: “But you are a shield around me, O Lord, you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.”
Thank you, Jesus, for the convicting work of the Holy Spirit reminding me of how I need to re-focus my life. Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer Precious Lord, to the cross where thou hast died. Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer Precious Lord!! I love you more than words can ever express!! I am yours totally and completely!! Amen!
