Stealin' my soul

The devil's trying to steal my soul. I'm convinced of it. He's trying to steal yours, too.

He won't succeed, but he'll do damage if he can. I'm being pulled like a Gumby--upwards to God (He will fulfill the desires of those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him; He will also hear their cry and save them)--and downwards toward the mire of emotions and gut-cries of "When, when, O God?" The accuser of the brethren accuses God, too, in my mind. Discouragement, poisonous resentments, crippling disappointments try to disable me. The call is still clear, but the path seems blocked. If he can make my soul sick, drain it dry, knock it coo coo, twist it out of shape, then maybe he can get to my spirit to really set me aside or at least put me in time out away from the game (my mission.)

No! The struggle is real, but I won't let him steal my soul! If God is not a liar, then He will pull me out, set me up, help me stand, make me stronger, and go with me.

We have to become aware of the schemes to blindside, befuddle, and trip us up, especially emotionally. Quickly or subtlely the switch flips and off we go into places unknown, or better left unknown. When we come to we would do well to examine whether God has stirred us up in the process. In order to get the junk and lies up and out He may bring them to the surface so we will deal with them. If it's time for us to go forward, it would not be surprising that both assault (from the enemy) and purging (by God) could be happening at once.

Ouch!

This is not the time to sit and stew by ourselves for long periods. Hole-ing up with God is good. Just hole-ing up by ourselves, maybe not. So I'm sounding an alarm. Watch out for emotional trip-ups. Don't allow the enemy to steal your soul through it or set you aside. Know that God has weapons for you to use. You aren't defenseless. And He is with you. Do stay in touch with a few trusted others as well. Their insight and support may help to shorten your time out.