When Satan Talks

Last Sunday after our worship service at Willow some of us went to the Philippi church for their Friends and Family Day. Jared West delivered an inspiring sermon on parenting that convicted me to make some changes. During some of his closing remarks I had decided that it would be best if I came forward during the invitation to ask for prayers. It was at that moment that Satan started talking. This is what he said:

"You don't really have a problem. This is just one sermon. The preacher has planted an idea in your head about yourself that isn't really true. Your silly mistakes and insignificant shortcomings are not bad enough to warrant repentance."

"You can handle this problem on your own. No need to tell anybody about it. After all, everybody in this building has similar problems (and worse) and you don't see them coming forward. This is just a little thing and there is no need to draw attention to yourself. Don't make it such a big deal."

"You are the preacher, don't show your weakness. Hey, buddy, don't let anybody know that you have a problem because you are supposed to be strong. If people need you to be a leader, they may not think that you can do the job when they see that you have issues."

"Don't interrupt the service. This is a friends and family day and the services are already going long. There is still a potluck that everyone is waiting for and a singing afterward. Don't let your own selfish needs hinder today's plans. There are many guests here and they probably don't want to stay longer than they were expecting."

"Do something about it later. This problem you think you have is probably going to get worse before it gets better. Why do something about it now when you know you are still struggling with it and you are going to keep struggling with it? Why not wait until you have really done something that would demand a public response?"

"You will not surely die (Gen. 3:4). This situation is not going to cost you your soul. So why bother?"

Satan kept on talking (by the way he was lying because if he is talking, this means he is lying). For about five minutes he wouldn't leave me alone. Through the first verse and into the second verse he kept on bothering me. But my heart finally told him to be quiet. I went forward and asked for prayers.

It is never a bad idea to let the Word convict you heart so that you respond and make a change in your life. Sometimes we have to make these things public for the sake of accountability. If we have never obeyed the gospel or if there is a habitual sin that has separated us from God we must act immediately and respond while we still have the opportunity.

It is right at the moment when you are in a place of making an important, life-changing, eternity-altering decision that Satan will talk the loudest. Don't let him win. Listen to your heart.

"...Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men." ~ Matthew 16:23