Throw the First PunchSample

In Genesis 4, God spoke to Cain. (Remember the two brothers Abel and Cain?) Cain was the bad one, where we get the expression “raising Cain.” He eventually murdered his brother. God warned him in verse 7, “You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master” (NLT).

We have sin crouching at our doors. My sins are different from yours— a combination of childhood experiences, generational patterns, bad habits, personality weaknesses, and trauma. Satan knows exactly what’s at my door, and he knocks repeatedly, hoping temptation will cause me to open it. When I do and it masters me in the moment, there is always grace and the Bible promises no condemnation. However, earthly consequences ensue, and the bullet I hand the Enemy, he uses to shoot me.

What sins crouch at your door?

When my sin defeats me, the shame I feel can drive me into further isolation, which then becomes fertile ground for distorted thinking. It’s why we believe, If they really knew what I am/do/think ... or If I can protect “this,” then I am safe. It allows lies to linger. The Bible illustrates the Enemy using this trick on David and Peter, two unique biblical characters who fell into sin and needed their communities for restoration. God isn’t stuck in the day we experience isolation and feel out of fighting shape. He sees what’s coming and cheers us on to get up and keep battling. Not sinning isn’t an option; we are fallen. Allowing sin to create space between us and our people? Us and God? That’s allowing the Enemy to win twice, and in this war, we can’t afford it.

The Enemy is counting on us being scared of the dark or fearing another person’s pain, but if we keep our eyes open, we’ll become more comfortable wading into the dark and turning on the light. Practically speaking, this means a willingness to be in close proximity to someone’s pain, or not backing down from a challenge, or walking into a situation where chaos has ensued.

I get most tired spiritually, or discouraged, when I think it’s up to me to save someone or something. I cannot fix what God wants to heal. I’ve made this rookie mistake more times than I want to count. I was certain if I didn’t do something, all would be lost. I now know better: there is only one Savior who died on a cross. Anything I offer, I do so as His ambassador. He does the prompting, calling, empowering, rescuing, and saving. I just fill up and pour out—giving only what I have received from Him.

Among the Enemy’s bag of tricks is to hide himself behind attacks of isolation, temptation, and shame. If we don’t see him, don’t believe he exists, or don’t understand his tactics, he gets twice the mileage. He attacks and creates chaos, then we blame ourselves for it and, embarrassed, don’t look or ask for help. When we acknowledge the reality of evil, we stop seeing the Devil as a caricature and understand his utter bent on our destruction.

What lies from the Enemy’s whispering have you believed?

What does it tell us about the nature and power of the Enemy’s words?

What is one situation in your life you’ve seen the Enemy provoke or exploit?

Lord, I confess the sins crouching at my door. Help me to keep it closed in Your name. I want my set point to be Your holiness. Help me see where I am giving power to the Enemy to advance his kingdom. I believe in You, and I trust You. Amen.