Division, Deception & Manipulation
In the last few months, three topics continue to show up in almost every aspect of my life, in one way or another. Division, deception and manipulation are very powerful things that I have come to recognize more easily, yet still find very hard to stand up to. There can be so many different scenarios and decisions that play out inside my head, and they are all fighting to steal my focus and attention away from the plans God has for my life.
I believe these behaviors are used to make us concentrate on our problems instead of our purpose and to ultimately divide us from the calling God has for our lives. When there is doubt and indecision it makes it extremely difficult to move forward with any confidence at all that I am making the right choices.
God has allowed me to study these topics and become more aware of the fact that much of what I deal with in areas of trouble or strife are a direct result of these things in my life. I have prayed more, and I know that I need wisdom and discernment in order to recognize and stop the destruction that is caused in my life as a result of deceptive and manipulative behaviors.
The choices and behaviors of others can strongly affect my thoughts, and my moods and even my attitude. This is especially true when I am dealing with any person that is good at twisting and turning things in order to gain control in a situation or to convince me to think like they think about certain topics. I will also add, that sometimes, the other person may not even recognize that they are being manipulative, but then sometimes the other person knows exactly what they are doing and they are very good at using it to achieve their own goals.
Deceptive and manipulative behaviors can be so convincing sometimes. Being caught up in these situations can cause me to be so sure one minute, and then full of doubt after just listening to the convincing opinions of others, so I really struggle for clarity.
However, I am learning that when I get that nagging sense of caution or uneasiness, it is the warning God is giving me to keep me from diving into situations where I do not feel peace. He is reminding me to wait on His perfect timing and His direction. I am learning to recognize and listen to that inner voice that lets me know something is just not quite right.
None of this easy for me! I know the enemy is trying to lie to me about things, and I know that people use these behaviors to control or change my mind and confuse me too. So the need to recognize these things is extremely important to me. I need to “know that I know” that I am not being deceived or manipulated!
I do feel like I have grown in my ability to recognize the behaviors and I feel that I am learning to stand against them a little better with God’s help. The more I have prayed and asked God to give me His wisdom and His discernment the more He is revealing it.
I have been reminded on multiple occasions that I need to invite the Holy Spirit to lead me daily and show me truths in all areas of my life. Jesus told his disciples that he was leaving so that the helper could come, referring to the Holy Spirit. So, I am asking the Holy Spirit to be my helper daily. I am asking that He shield me from deception and manipulation and any thing that tries to keep me from being all that God created me to be. I am asking for God to shine a light on the tactics the enemy uses against me and not let me be deceived!
I am fully aware that I must rely completely on God to protect my mind and give me clear wisdom and discernment for the things He has planned for my life. Confusion, instability, insecurity, fear, and doubt try to trap me into going along with things when I don’t feel sure about my answers. It seems the demand to give answers comes quicker and quicker, and that causes even more confusion. Deception and manipulation are usually the culprits that are involved in relationships with so much uncertainty. The Bible says they are powerful tactics used to lie to us and divide us from God and those we love.
For me, the most difficult part sometimes is knowing what to believe and what not to. Actually making a choice is hard for me, but then it’s even harder to find my confidence and be bold enough to stand up and speak up for myself! It truly has been and still is a difficult process for me in this season of my life, but I am declaring that I am getting through it and I will be victorious!
I caution you to be careful what you think about and ask yourself if it is a God thought, or if it is a deceptive thought the enemy is using to attack your mind and stumble you in your walk with God. He is out to destroy us and to divide us in any way possible from God, and from our loved ones. I honestly see these tactics being used all around me and I don’t think people even really recognize it until it’s too late sometimes.
Invite the Holy Spirit to open your eyes, as I continue to do the same in my own life. I am asking Him to show me, lead me, and open my eyes to all the enemies attempts to stumble me! Continue to give me the wisdom and discernment to see truth and know God’s will in all areas of my life. I claim the Bible verse that “No weapon formed against me shall prosper…!” Isaiah 54:17 In Jesus Name I pray and ask! Amen!
