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We live in very perilous times and as the end draws near, the enemy gets even more desperate in getting more people on his side. He doesn\u2019t stop at trying to deceive and derail the people and just like the bible says, he roams around like a roaring lion, looking and waiting for the next victim to pounce on. He is very strategic in his attacks so much so that sometimes we don\u2019t even realize we are under attack. He disguises himself so carefully that instead of fighting back against him, we target the wrong enemy and that\u2019s exactly what he wants us to do. That is exactly where he wants us to be \u2013 fighting against anything or every person other than him.<\/p>\n
We need to be aware of the enemy\u2019s tricks and schemes and also be strategic \u2013 just like he is – in fighting and resisting him. Here are four weapons the enemy will use against you. If you find yourself in any of these, that\u2019s a sign that you are under attack so you must brace yourself for war!<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve read countless stories and watched numerous documentaries and videos of people who took their lives because of depression. Young and vibrant people, some of them even wealthy and talented and because of depression, life became meaningless to them \u2013 so they put an end to it. Depression is one of the enemy\u2019s lethal weapons. He literally uses this to take away lives!<\/p>\n
In a generation where the definition of \u2018happiness\u2019 has been thwarted and distorted to mean nothing much more than instant gratification, luxurious living, or public eminence, it is quite easy for the enemy to get people downcast and beaten down \u2013 sometimes over very trivial issues; A girl is going to get into depression because \u2018society\u2019 doesn\u2019t think she\u2019s \u2018pretty\u2019 or \u2018thin\u2019 or \u2018fat\u2019 enough! She will try to fit in and when she can\u2019t fit in, life will seem meaningless to her. Other times the reasons may be deep and painful. Either way, there isn\u2019t any good enough reason to end your life.<\/p>\n
Depression doesn\u2019t happen suddenly; it is gradual and progressive; it starts with the first thought or feeling of sadness or misery. You must dismiss these every time! Life is full of ups and downs and of course, there will be days where you will feel down and sad – that\u2019s why happiness has to be a conscious decision. Create an atmosphere of joy around yourself and choose happiness every day!<\/p>\n
\u201cA cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up bones\u201d (Proverbs 17:22 NIV)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n This is definitely one of the enemy\u2019s most dangerous weapons. Fear literally cripples and imprisons. Fear stops us from taking any step forward and prevents us from carrying out our purpose. There are many types of fears the enemy will use against us; the fear of failure, fear of disapproval, fear of the future, fear of rejection amongst others.<\/p>\n Until you take risks and face your fears, you won\u2019t overcome them and you won\u2019t achieve anything. Do not let the enemy keep you imprisoned in the \u2018fear box\u2019. Step out in faith and accomplish what God has assigned to you. You may fail once, twice or maybe a million times. You may get ridiculed and discouraged. But you will never discover what you are capable of if you don\u2019t try.<\/p>\n \u201cBe strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you\u201d (Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n This is a canker-worm and it slowly eats up and destroys its victims from the inside. Holding offenses and refusing to forgive people who wrong you slowly leads to bitterness and this is more harmful to you instead. You have to learn to forgive and let go. I have seen bitterness eat people up and they honestly look miserable and sick. The enemy uses this to destroy lives. Letting go of a grudge and choosing to forgive is one of the most liberating feelings ever.<\/p>\n Choose to forgive today and free yourself from the shackles of the enemy!<\/p>\n \u201cGet rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with any form of malice\u201d (Ephesians 4:31)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n
Fear<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Bitterness<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n