DIVIDE AND CONQUER

Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." (Matthew 16:23, NIV)

This morning I reviewed the packing list and short-term conduct guidelines for my trip in two weeks: camera…check; sunscreen…check, passport…check; learning, serving heart…ummmm…check? I replayed the thoughtless statement that spewed from my heart last night and was immediately convicted as I relived her bristled retort. Immediately I was convicted about my arrogant and pretentious attitude. It wasn’t pretty—and it hasn’t been for a couple of weeks.

Work has been overwhelmingly busy; I am trying to get ahead with course work before the trip; at every turn I shell out another bundle of cash to fix something that’s broken and friends and family seem to need more of my time than usual. In addition, I have a schedule filled with one meeting after another…there is no time to breathe…and I’ve felt paralyzed because of it.

Without even realizing it, I have allowed Satan to creep in while my attention is elsewhere. Don’t get me wrong…I understand I am responsible for my attitude. But, I also understand one of Satan’s tricks…divide and conquer.

I’ve temporarily lost cadence to my life. And I’ve lost sight of the value of each person who I have let ruffle my feathers lately. I’ve been short tempered and frustrated living out of high expectations. Is this what I want to bring to Kenya? No.

Satan tactics are sometimes subtle, but, his intention is to divide. When we are acting like he wants us to act, he pretty much leaves us alone because we can’t do any harm to his kingdom. But, when we are listening to God and being faithful, we become a threat to him and he fears us and wants to bring us down.

I pray that the Lord will make me fully aware of the tricks Satan will use to make this trip unsuccessful. And that God will grant each team member wisdom and courage to carry out God’s plans for this trip.