Paul was very ‘matter of fact’ when he wrote in his second letter to the Corinthians that they would do well to forgive a repentant brother in their midst…’lest Satan take advantage of them…’ (2 Cor. 2:10-11). He had no qualms in warning the believers there of this spiritual foe who was seeking an advantage to find his way in to do what he does best – ‘steal, kill, and destroy’ (John 10:10). It was then, and should be for all of us today… a continuing reminder that you see in other places throughout scripture to the danger this ‘enemy’ poses (Matt. 12:43-45; 25:42-44; Eph. 4:27; 1 Pet. 5:8). And let’s not forget that last line of an assumed fact that Paul shares:

“…for we are not ignorant or unaware of his schemes and devices…”

Paul would also write to the church at Ephesus reminding them to make use of this spiritual ‘armor’ that God had provided for us…’in order to stand against and be protected from the various ‘schemes and devices’ of this ‘devil’ (Eph. 6:11). Have you ever gotten the impression that there might be an actual ‘war’ taking place out there in which many have simply failed to ‘show up’ for? (2 Tim. 2:3-7; 2 Cor.10:3-5) No wonder God’s people continue to be…destroyed for a lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6).

I’d like to talk about some of these ‘devices’ or ‘schemes’ today, and I want to share a personal experience that I hope will encourage some and help shed light as to how God desires to work in our lives in ‘setting us free’ (Luke 4:18). As I like to remind us all here from time to time, a personal experience is just that – personal. It should never take the place of God’s word since it was “His word that He sends to heal and deliver” (Ps. 107:20). But it is a good story I want to share with you, one I believe I may have included in a previous blog post a couple of years ago. I was reminded of it when I drove past the home where my parents lived for years before they passed away. We were back east for another family wedding this past weekend.

I can’t say that God has used ‘dreams’ to speak to me in the past (Acts 2:17), and I would caution anyone who claims that God does speak to them in dreams (or visions) to always make sure whatever it is they are ‘hearing’ or perceiving... lines up with His word. That is how we ‘test the spirits’ (1 John 4:1). But it was in the home of my parents several years ago that I had a ‘significant event’ take place, and it began with a dream.

I had flow back in 2021 or 2022 to help navigate some challenges for my Mom who was needing some help with my dad, who was ailing. Long story, but she was reluctant to let someone come in and give assistance, and we were able to change her mind. That evening as I was ready to retire for the night, she came back to my room and started having second doubts about her decision and kind of had a ‘pity party’, as I would describe it. I encouraged her to go on to bed assuring her we could talk more in the morning. I felt a bit discouraged at that moment and dropped to my knees in prayer.

This tendency to start feeling sorry for one’s self...was not new to me. I had seen this in her before, as well as others and was praying to God for insight as to where this ‘poor me’ mindset comes from. You do know the Bible teaches that various ‘issues’ can be ‘passed down’ through family lines, yes? (Deut. 5:9) So in the middle of the night, I have this ‘dream’ in which I was trying to call my wife and it kept going to voicemail, only to discover she had been on the phone with two of my daughters sharing some really good news with them, which I overheard them rejoicing over.

After the second failed attempt in trying to reach her, I found myself enraged...(in my dream) that she was calling the girls first before calling me to share whatever ‘good news’ she had to share. I was so angry that it woke me and I sat up in bed trying to process what had just happened. I was also aware that I was still seething with anger before reminding myself it was just a dream, so I laid back down hoping to find that deep sleep that had been ‘interrupted’. And just before I nodded back off, I was jostled with an awareness that God was trying to speak to my heart, which prompted me to sit back up in an attentive manner. It was in that moment...that I could sense the finger of God on my chest saying: “You too...are the one with spirit of self-pity that causes you to wallow in the same ‘poor me’ mindset as you see in others.”

It was in those few moments that followed, that I felt like I was watching a fast motion highlight reel of my life over the previous several decades, and how susceptible I had been to falling into a ‘ditch’ of sorts, where I would oftentimes allow just one subtle but ‘negative’ or suggestive thought take root in my mind. It would affect my mood and thinking for hours, if not days...until I somehow ‘snapped out of it’. And it would often involve my interaction with my wife. It was just an area that I was consistently falling into repeatedly over the years. I’m not saying it caused significant marriage problems, but it certainly was an irritant and sore spot with me that I never could overcome. Truth of the matter was...I never even saw it for what it was...until God showed me that night through that dream.

It usually would involve ‘little things’ with maybe a snappy comment or glare in response to a question or statement that would ‘set me off’. You might know the drill...”Why do you always do or say that? Why am I always the last one to know...or why am I always the one on the back burner when it comes to having my needs met or some attention given to, etc.?” Sometimes it didn’t even require words on her part, rather some random thought would come out of ‘nowhere’, like a little seed; and I failed to recognize where it came from. But I would welcome that thought, nurse that thought, meditate on it...and even worse...begin to ‘agree’ with that thought. Then, before I knew it...I was angry with her and not even sure why. But instead of acting out or throwing a fit, I’d just stew in it...get cold and distant as I ‘wrestled’ with whatever was working in my heart. It could easily create some distance between us during those spells (silent treatment, anyone?)...until a few days might go by and I forgot what I was even stewing over. Anyone out there able to relate?

It sure did not help my relationship over time. I would describe it as a recurring ‘hindrance’ that was always popping up that probably could have been resolved or fixed, but I just never got around to trying to figure out what was happening. Ever had a ‘squeaky’ door or leaky faucet that you didn’t think it was serious enough to address until one day...you finally did. And then after the fact...you found yourself scratching your head wondering why you never got around to fixing that earlier...and were relishing what a wonderful difference it made to no longer have that issue being source of irritation? You know...like ‘why didn’t I stop earlier and get that silly rock out of my shoe so I could have enjoyed this walk all this time? Well that night, as my eyes were ‘opened’...that ‘issue’ got resolved, once and for all. And if you join me here tomorrow, I’ll share how and what followed...Lord willing, of course.