Punching Satan in the Face

If Satan were standing in front of me right now, I would punch him in the face. I know he'd try to be sly, to flatter, to entice, to distract. But I wouldn't even think twice. No doubt, there are lots of reasons to knock him out. But in this moment it would be for something little. 

Spencer gifted me with a few hours to myself today. And these unexpected moments have been glorious. It's amazing how even a small amount of time alone can be incredibly refreshing and energizing for me. 

So I began these glorious moments alone by heading to the park to begin the book writing process. I sat in the shade of a tree typing away until it got too warm. And so I naturally moved to Starbucks. (That's where you're supposed to go to write, right?) As I opened my computer I realized something happened in the transition of going from no internet to an internet connection, and I lost the morning's work. 

The person sitting next to me would definitely not appreciate me punching him in the face to relieve my frustration. And ultimately it wouldn't solve anything. But you better believe I am a full believer that when Christians start something that is going to impact the Kingdom, when we start doing what we are called to do, the enemy will attack. Sometimes his attacks are big and monstrous. Other times they are subtle and just stupid. And even if I could have prevented losing my work, you better believe he will use that to discourage me. He'll quickly use anything and everything to keep us from doing what we know to do.

I haven't rewritten those words from this morning yet. I will. But I needed a little time to remind myself that this little discouragement can't stop me from doing the one thing I know I need to do. Write. I know it sounds silly or crazy to most people. But it's so clear to me. I've tried to run from it; I've tried to minimize it; I've tried to ignore it. But it's so clear to me. Just write. 

And when something happens to distract me from that or discourage me in the process, instead of throwing it all away and calling it quits, I have to remember that those subtle attacks can give me momentum to do this with more urgency. The enemy's discouragement can be my encouragement to keep going. If he is trying to discourage me, then I am doing the right thing. 

So to all you pursuing dreams and living out your callings, when the enemy's attacks come and you feel discouraged, take a moment to breathe and mentally punch that devil in the face. Knock him to the ground. And when he tries to get up, punch him again. 

I would say he doesn't know who he is messing with, but actually he does. He knows. That's why he is messing with you. He knows that you are a threat to the kingdom of darkness. 

Brothers and sisters, press on in your work, in your lives, in your callings. You are not alone. And your perseverance shouts God's glory.