Lingering, lagging, lying
I misjudged the power of my own strength and the sincerity of my determination. There was a lot going on and I was distracted. Before I realized it, I was carried away by circumstances that led me to some rash and regrettable decisions. It all happened so fast!
Have you ever wondered how you got here in your life?
Before you realized it, you were overwhelmed and intimidated by your decisions. I think the answer lies in the words of wisdom spoken to Peter, James, and John on the night Jesus took them to Gethsemane to pray with Him.
Finding them sleeping, Jesus said, “Could you not watch with Me for one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:40-41 (NKJV)
Prayer is a privilege and great responsibility.
It’s also the most powerful protection against the schemes of the enemy. Like Peter, I can easily find myself too busy, too tired, and too distracted to pray. Neglecting prayer weakens my spiritual strength and empowers my flesh.
“For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.” Galatians 5:17 (NKJV)
Use these questions to help you determine the strength of your watchfulness in prayer.
Am I intimidated and afraid? Am I spiritually timid under the pressure of the threatening circumstances I’m facing?
Am I trying to protect myself from the judgment of coworkers, neighbors, family, or friends? Am I worried about what others think of my faith?
Am I seeking to hide in the shadows and linger around the edges of “spirituality” rather than be identified as someone who belongs to Jesus?
WATCH. There is soul danger when we linger in the company of skeptics and doubters. Interrogation and accusations are intimidating! And the temptation to lie and deny is powerful under the opinion of others.
PRAYER is the only genuine protection to prepare us to live in a world that is hostile to the cross.
