Don't!

Thursday January 20, 2010

Today's Passage: Deuteronomy 20:3-4 (Mess.)
Memory Verse: 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)

He'll say, "Attention, Israel.  In a few minutes you're going to do battle with your enemies.  Don't waver in resolve.  Don't fear.  Don't hesitate.  Don't panic.  God, your God, is right there with you, fighting with you against your enemies, fighting to win."

Okay, I get it.  Most people shy away from becoming Christians because of all the don'ts they think they'll inherit.  Many new converts are subjected to long lectures that are laced with what they can't do.  Seriously though, don't is not a bad word.  It actually establishes boundaries that keeps us from the devil's bondage and sin.  True to fact, just like our biological children are sometimes resistant to boundaries, God's heavenly children (us) are sometimes resistant to His boundaries too.

Here's the truth.  The devil really hates us y'all.  He plans our demise everyday.  We can't avoid his attacks, nor are we immune to his attempts to make us fall.  Let's face it, the time will come when we're going to have to do battle with our enemies.  Be not dismayed however, it is here we can put to good use some of God's don'ts.  First, don't waver in resolve.  This walk requires a made-up-mind.  Flipflopping will never get you through the valley and a double mind only leads to instability.  Set your mind on what God promised and don't recieve the devil's tactics as your reality.  If God said it, be settled on it.  Be steadfast.  Second, don't fear.  I heard someone say fear is only False Evidence Appearing Real.  Fear will paralyze you.  God's Word says He did not give us the spirit of fear, but a sound mind.  You don't have to be afraid.  Learn to face it and you will win.  Then God said not to hesitate.  That explains itself.  Hesistation brings failure and usually is the manifestation of a heart in rebellion.  Last, don't panic.  To panic means to experience sudden, overwhelming fear.  When people panic, they're void of rational thinking.  Also, the emotional ramifications can quickly turn into physical ones.  Meaning, it can cause elevated blood pressure, blackouts, and unsafe behaviors. 

In conclusion, we are more than conquerers in any battle.  Providing we honor God's don'ts.  If you happen to know someone put off by the "don'ts" of our faith, give them this list: Don't waver, Don't fear, Don't hesistate, and Don't panic.  In other words, if you're planning to face the battles of your life without God......DON'T!

Prayer: Father I accept Your perfect will for my life.  If You tell me to do something, it's done.  If You tell me not to, I won't.  My total submission and devotion is my offering to You.  If You'll accept my life, I'll never turn away from You.  I'll remain safely within Your boundaries, as I walk in the liberty of Your spirit..in Jesus' name. Amen