Shake it Off!

Acts 28:3, 5 (NKJV) But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand…But he SHOOK OFF the creature into the fire and suffered no harm.

Paul survives a storm at sea and ultimately a shipwreck. He is finally on shore and just as he’s getting ready to warm up and dry off, things go from bad to worse as a poisonous snake fastens on to him…do you ever feel like Paul? You’re rescued from one trial just to find yourself in the middle of another that’s potentially even more frightening than the first.

I’ve been there throughout my life. It seems that when the enemy is bent on our destruction, the attacks are relentless and come from multiple directions. These seasons have two purposes. They are designed by the enemy to wear us out and destroy our faith. The Lord allows the attack for the opposite purpose of drawing us closer to Him, having us search for the answers we need in His Word and subsequently build our relationship with Him, strength, stability, endurance and faith!

The outcome is up to you. Do you entertain the negative thoughts you’re presented with or do you, by God’s strength, shake it off!? The greatest defense to the combat is praise! Every spiritual battle I’ve ever won was not accomplished by my strength, but only by my worship! When I resisted the temptation to entertain fear and anxiety, stopped doubting and set my focus on Jesus and His Word, glory, power and love…the battle was first won in my mind and the victory over the circumstances soon followed!

Stop allowing the enemy to control your thoughts, circumstances and emotions! Draw closer to Jesus and by His strength…SHAKE IT OFF!!

James 4:7-8 (TPT) So then, surrender to God. Stand up to the devil and resist him and he will flee in agony. Move your heart closer and closer to God, and he will come even closer to you. But make sure you cleanse your life, you sinners, and keep your heart pure and stop doubting.

Philippians 4:12-13 (TPT) I know what it means to lack, and I know what it means to experience overwhelming abundance. For I’m trained in the secret of overcoming all things, whether in fullness or in hunger. And I find that the strength of Christ’s explosive power infuses me to conquer every difficulty.