In my last blog, I spoke about the words the Lord gave me back in December for the coming year of 2025, “Stand and Fight”. As the new year began, our church initiated “Family Enrichment Night”, which is a series of different subjects for adults to study along with our regular Wednesday night youth program. Naturally, the goal was to increase mid-week involvement in church activities. As one in a position of leadership, I knew I should comply. So, in light of the words the Lord gave me for the year, my husband and I chose a class on Spiritual Warfare.
In the third week of the class, the speaker said, “we must understand the devil’s plan”. In other words, what would I do to me if I were the devil? The answer of course is whatever works to lead me away from the “Truth”, from following God’s Word. As I listened, I began to reflect on what the devil’s plan was in my life, when a scenario of my old nickname came to mind.
My old nickname
As a young girl, my mother gave me the nickname “Nasty Nance” because I had a sharp tongue, talked back to my parents and wasn’t always nice to my siblings, especially my sister. I was selfish, and didn’t share well. When my sister (who was the whiny child) would constantly cry to my parents, my mother would make excuses for me saying, “She really doesn’t mean anything bad, it’s just the way she is.” She would reassure my sister that I loved her, but was incapable of being nice. YIKES when I think back on that…what an ugly memory!
Anyway, my mom’s excuses for me were not only for my sister’s benefit, but for mine as well and maybe her own too (or so I thought). It would ease the sting of guilt I felt when my sister complained. Now, all mothers love all their children and most could never pick a favorite, even when it seemed like they did. Clearly, I never felt like the favorite (probably rightly so), but I did feel loved no matter what.
The devil’s plan
Today, I realize how the devil had lied to me and to my mother too. Had my mom been aware of the devil’s schemes back then, I’m sure she would have handled my poor behavior differently with Godly correction instead of making excuses, allowing it to go on.
Her excuses may have got me off the hook in the moment, but they would come back to haunt me later in life. Through those words that she spoke, “she can’t help herself, it’s just the way she is”, I was convinced that I was really good at heart and didn’t mean any harm. Growing up catholic, I was taught that Jesus forgave all my sin, so no worries there. However, there was no real repentance taking place.
Now, the truth of the matter is that repentance is a necessary part of forgiveness, and it’s essential in fighting off the lies of the devil. Apologizing to those I had offended with my sharp words was a must, along with apologizing to God. It wasn’t until I understood more about the enemy of my soul and the authority I had over him through God’s Word, and used it, was I able to really change.
Walking by the Spirit
The devil no longer has any hold over me, even in the times when I slip up with my sharp tongue. The Holy Spirit’s conviction is instant; I recognize His voice! Jesus said “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27) That’s when I humble myself under God’s mighty hand and resist that devil. I tell him to leave… and “poof” he is gone (James 4:7) … until the next time. Yes, unfortunately there will always be a next time. Let me tell you friends, it is a process, a lifelong process of fighting battles with the enemy of our soul, who constantly tempts us to gratify the desires of the flesh.
Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of flesh. (Galatians 5:16)
I implore you to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Allow the Holy Spirit, who Jesus promised, (John 14:26) to rule in your heart and mind. Use the authority Jesus gives you (Luke 10:19) to resist the enemy and his lies, and he will leave.
Whether you are struggling with low self esteem or poor self image, anxiety, worry, depression, fear or any kind of addiction, you can overcome it. Jesus is the “ultimate Overcomer” and through faith (belief) in Him, you are grafted into the family of God, His family of believers. And He gives you His power to overcome.
Jesus did many miracles when he walked the earth; He healed many and set them free from the bondage of the enemy. He told his followers to do the same. In fact, He said we will do even greater things.
“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me to do anything in my name and I will do it.” (John 14:12-14)
Collectively, as the body of Christ here on earth, in the land of the living, we can do far more for the Kingdom than even Jesus did when He walked the earth during the three years of His ministry. So, join the family of God today and receive this power for yourself, and for the sake of others, in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen and Amen! Thank you for reading my blog. Victory is yours in Jesus’ name. Let’s continue to Stand and Fight together in 2025!
A New Chapter Begins
After five years of Begin Again with Nancy, I feel it’s time for a new chapter. When I first started my blog, it was about navigating the pandemic and embracing a new normal—learning how to begin again in a world that had changed. While the title no longer feels as relevant, my purpose remains the same.
In my next blog, I’ll share more about this transition and my mission as Begin Again with Nancy becomes Why “The Word”. Stay tuned for the launch of my new website, and I hope you’ll continue this journey with me.
Thank you for your support!
In His service,
Nancy
Recent Comments