Day 3: Abandoned?

Ten Weeks by Isaac Cordova

Prowling

Many people find themselves more vulnerable to their worst impulses when they’re alone. Do you agree? Whatever it might be that attacks you the most—anxiety, envy, lust, rage—do you find its voice louder when you’re on your own?

1 Peter 5:8 says, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” If you feel like your lowest thoughts always seem ready to take the wheel and derail you, you’re not imagining it! The devil is always circling, waiting for an opportunity to pull you away from God’s light and love. Often, that opportunity strikes when we’re by ourselves.

No Distractions

Filmmaker Isaac Cordova created this film, 10 Weeks, to explore how he has “been running from the dark and uncomfortable forces in my life.” The film was inspired by his experience of sheltering in place in 2020 and how a season of extended isolation “forced us to have to live with ourselves. It has made it so there is no running away from our lives. I have had to make serious realizations in the last months and accept several truths.”

Can you relate to the person in this film?

What changes do you see in her as the weeks living with the serpent tick by?

It’s tempting to keep busy, distracting ourselves from our uglier impulses and temptations.

How do you feel when you find yourself face-to-face with parts of yourself that, under normal circumstances, you try to avoid?
How do you respond?

Stand Firm

Isaac, the filmmaker, shares: “These feelings and realizations took time and were difficult to process internally at first. It took me ten weeks to look within myself and take a stand to change my life for the better through Scripture and prayer.”

That’s just what God invites us all to do! 1 Peter 5:9 shares the simple and rousing response to those tricks of the devil: “Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.”

Victory

We can stand firm. God gives us strength! When we turn to Scripture and prayer, and when this becomes a habit, a daily rhythm, we remember that God is with us. We remember to see ourselves with His love. We refocus on the temptation attacking us, remembering that God has already given us victory.

Psalm 91 promises: “For He will order His angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! The Lord says, ‘I will rescue those who love Me. I will protect those who trust in My name.’”

You will trample upon lions and cobras. The devil will not win. You won’t even hurt your foot!

What is the snake in your life?
Are you ready to leave it behind?