When Job was tested by Satan, he took everything (from Job) God allowed Him to take. All Job owned and employed, his children he had a part in creating and even the flesh from his body, hair from his head, tears from his eyes and breath from his body. Not only that but Satan took Job’s friends and threatened the very vows of marriage. This is what the devil does and he will use the smallest thing, in your thoughts and increase it. To you, it was just a memory of a mistake but to him, it can possibly be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. To you, it is just a twinge of doubt but to him, it will be the very thing that seeks to destroy your mind. To you, it’s that temporary moment you go through every now and then, but to him it’ll be what he uses to make you fearful about stepping out on faith. This is what the devil does and this is also why the bible shares in 1 Peter 5:8, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” It doesn’t matter if you’re the strongest devotion leader, Satan will try you. You can be the best at your position, he will test you. You can be upright and blameless like Job but he will still attempt to discredit your faith. Beloved, you can have the strongest of foundation and Satan will still find the faintest of fault to make it crumble under pressure.
What do you do? You hold on. You speak life back into your situation. You talk yourself off the ledge. You have a conversation with God, even if it hurts. You trust, you believe and you know that God will never send you through something He will not get you out of. Oh, please understand, your escape plan may hurt but the pain will not last. When Jesus endured the cross, it was God’s escape plan and we all know how that worked out. You just have to trust God’s plan and know you got this. How do I know? I’ve been there. As a matter of fact, it was just this morning that Satan tried me by speaking doubt and fear but you know what I did? I started talking back letting him know, I still trust God and I got this! I started declaring, “Marcy (that’s my nickname), you got this girl.” “Marcy, keep pushing.” “Marcy, you can’t give up, folk counting on you.” And for somebody reading this, you got it too but you’ve got to start speaking it. So, what will you speak today? What pep talk will you have with self? Whatever it is, know that you’ve come this far by faith and there is no time to quit now because “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him (James 1:12).”
Lakisha, the Author 