Day 22 of 40 Days of Lent: Recognizing the Enemy's Tactics in Our Spiritual Journey

Beautiful imagery by @Koolshooters from City of Angels

Scriptural Foundation: Matthew 28:16-20

"Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations... And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'" – Matthew 28:16-20

In our spiritual journeys, there are two moments when the thief is most likely to show up: when we are disobediently off our spiritual post and when we are on the cusp of leveling up—acting boldly in faith, stepping into a higher spiritual rank.

When we are not where God has called us to be—when we wander from our post or neglect our assignments—that is when the enemy can work his way in. Disobedience creates a gap where doubt, fear, and distraction can take root, pulling us further from our purpose. The enemy thrives in confusion and disarray, waiting for us to step away from our spiritual vigilance. It’s in these moments that we must recognize the enemy’s schemes and return to the place of obedience, remembering that God’s guidance is always with us if we turn back to Him.

On the other hand, the enemy also shows up at the brink of our breakthrough, especially when we are about to take bold steps of faith and ascend to new levels of spiritual authority. Just as Jesus ascended after His resurrection—when His disciples thought He was gone, but in truth, He had leveled up to a higher spiritual rank—the enemy tries to distract us when we are on the verge of stepping into a new calling or purpose. In those moments, when the enemy whispers doubt or confusion, we must hold firm in our faith, knowing that this is often the very moment we are about to experience a spiritual elevation.

Jesus' ascension was not a disappearance, but a transformation. He didn't abandon His disciples; He leveled up to a new realm of power and authority, and in doing so, He empowered them to do the same. As we step into new spiritual ranks, we too may face moments of doubt or opposition, but we must trust that God is preparing us for something greater, just as He prepared His disciples to carry His mission forward.

Application:

1. Stay Alert in Obedience: Make sure you are aligned with God's will for your life. Stay faithful to your spiritual post, even in moments of difficulty or distraction.

   
   

2. Recognize the Signs of a Spiritual Elevation: When the enemy tries to create confusion or doubt, recognize it as a sign that you are on the verge of stepping into a new level of spiritual authority. Stand firm in your faith.

   
   

3. Embrace Bold Action: As Jesus boldly ascended to a new realm of power, we too are called to act with boldness when God calls us to rise. Don’t let the enemy's tactics stop you from obeying God and stepping into new levels of spiritual influence.

   
   

4. Trust in God's Ascension Power: Remember, when Jesus ascended, He was not leaving His disciples but empowering them for a greater purpose. Trust that your next spiritual step will bring you closer to God’s plan and purpose for your life.

A Prayer For Today

Lord, we thank You for the reminder that You are always with us, even when we face opposition from the enemy. Help us to stay vigilant in our obedience, recognizing when we are called to step into a higher spiritual rank. Strengthen us to boldly act in faith, even when the enemy tries to discourage us. We trust that You are with us always, guiding us and empowering us to fulfill our calling. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Reflection Question: Is there an area in your spiritual life where you feel the enemy is trying to distract or confuse you? How can you boldly act in faith and rise to the next level God has for you?

Until Tomorrow, Be Well, Beloved.