“You were running superbly! Who cut in on you, deflecting you from the true course of obedience? This detour doesn’t come from the One who called you into the race in the first place.”

Galatians 5:7-8 MSG.

You’re going about your day and doing what God has called you to do when suddenly guilt sneaks up from behind and tackles you to the ground.

Guilt concerning that person. That situation. That time. Pretty soon, it’s all you can think about as the guilt consumes you.

You lose the fire of obedience that was burning in your heart.

The enemy brings guilt to paralyze and manipulate you. He will do all he can to make you stumble, fall, and drop out of the race.

The Holy Spirit brings conviction, making you aware of your sins so you can repent and be free to live the life God has for you.

Oh, but the enemy is tricky. When the Holy Spirit brings someone to your mind in order for you to pray for that person, Satan will lie and try to twist the Holy Spirit’s prompting, hoping to steal the moment by bringing an accusation against you – you’ll be so busy feeling guilty that you won’t pray for that person.

Satan will accuse you of all sorts of things you’ve already been forgiven of or things you’ve never even done.

Remember, God is faithful to forgive you when you ask. And when you’re forgiven, don’t let the enemy dig up those old sins to throw them in your face after God has clearly removed them.

Oh, brave soul. Be alert, aware, and put on the full armor of God. Wear it boldly and with courage. And be ready to speak the Word of God when attacks come.

Don’t let the enemy trick you into following a detour that takes you out of the will of God.

Stay the course, and stand your ground! You’ve got work to do. Do it well and with great boldness as you listen and obey the Holy Spirit who will always lead you closer to your Heavenly Father. ♥️