07/08/2024 Lately I’ve been really convicted that sharing lessons learned from personal testimony has proven powerful to me, and remembered how that has helped me in my “walk w God”. So, I hope to share something that will help those who are discouraged by false brethren and the world from sojourning on their way with Jesus. Growing up, I did have a lot of strength in being around the Bible, but I realize now that then I lacked understanding the spirit of God. Then, when I was born again in college, it meant a lot for Jesus’ spirit to testify with my spirit (In a felt way of feeling the Holy Spirit) as in: “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children” (Romans 8:16 niv). I could actually “sense” that Jesus was my Lord, and though could not articulate some of it, I could feel a close connection with God, and rejoiced that I could sense His pleasure in me! I had so much joy, because I understood God’s anger was appeased, the anger that He had towards my sin, as black as it was, and that Jesus was the supreme thing I needed! It was a fresh thing to me, and still is, when I reflect on the testimonies of where He has brought me through. ‘I have inherited Your testimonies forever, For they are the joy of my heart.” (Psalms 119:111)

I wanted to get back to what I originally wanted to write about, and that was a tactic I have observed, experienced and suffered through, and endured through; a tactic the devil uses “to wear down the saints of the Most High”.

The tactic that I desire to highlight is the fact of the phenomena that occurs when even those close to you, your household, your best friend, or your relative, may wish to keep you from Christ, and this does happen (Psalms 41:9). Their goal is to convince you that their way is right and your way is wrong, so in a way, they are being idolatrous, or unbelieving, or dissauging of what God has said to you. They will try to tell you that what you hear is “not from God”, and that they know better than you do. This is often so that they will subtlely demand your loyalty to them, (although they don’t have your best interests at heart, contrary sometimes to their claims) either to cover their sins because of conviction, or the fact that they’re discomforted (which this happens a lot to new converts), or the fact that maybe they are selfishly wanting to be closer to you “like things used to be” before Jesus came in your picture.

Just like Eve was tempted in the garden, so also can your circumstances be formed around you by those “caring” for you, in that they don’t altogether shun God and His Word. What happened to Eve, was that she was tempted with the fruit/fig, and the devil used an amount of truth, recalling to her God’s words, but twisting them into an opinion.

We see the same activity later when Jesus is tempted in the desert. Actually, at times they’re quite convincing to you and because they’ve sheltered you or treated you amicably before, you tend to take their word for them having your best interests in mind. But when you bring up an idea that is contrary to their “status quo”, “keeping decorum” or if you’re looking “too radical”, then they try to snuff it out.

This can happen in households, churches, family dynamics/relatives or workplace environments. What does Scripture have to say about it?

David speaks of being betrayed by King Saul, and Jesus was betrayed by Judas who traveled with him for probably 3 years. Paul was lied about by false brothers, and many saints have been betrayed unto capture, destruction, death, martyrdom, and execution for over 2,000 years. God’s people have always had to be on guard against those who would stir up using standards that are not of God’s Words.

If you are experiencing such a trial, it is good to know that you are not alone! Remember that Jesus spoke firmly when needed, and when you know prophetically God has your back on something, stay with Him, because on judgment day, its His opinions that matter!