Me: You could attack with that weapon.

Prodigal: I am sure it would cause damage.

Are you under attack? Your answer was no. Are you sure? I think you might be. Satan can be crafty, and very subtle. I think that is how he wins in others lives at times. We don’t pay attention, and before you know it Satan has come to destroy, and we allowed him to slowly come in, and set up camp.

What could satan want to take away from me? Love. Satan has been attacking love from the very beginning. In the garden of Eve, his trick caused division between God, and humans. The trick also caused division between Adam, and Eve themselves when Adam tried to blame Eve for his actions.

Satan does not want love to continue. What does satan have against love. God is love. 1 John 4:8 states, anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. Why is love a big deal, and is found in countless themes of movies, books, blogs and letters? Why do people seek out to find love? Why is there a holiday with a purpose to express love?

God is eternal, and the things of God are eternal, and God is love. God has made it so, our spirits long for him. Our spirits long for love. Satan is out to destroy God, and the things of God. Are we letting satan win this battle to destroy love. How do I allow satan to destroy love?

We allow satan to win by not fighting for love. Right now someone has a child that God gave to love. The child has is making bad decisions as they are being influenced by the world. You are so frustrated. It has been a battle for the past couple of years. You want to coast, and not fight for this child. This child still needs firm boundaries, and the boundaries need to be stated with love. Your heart has to remain in forgiveness, and love. Your heart wants to remain in anger, and hopelessness. Don’t let satan tell you to give up love.

Another person is fighting for the right to love someone. What God has brought together let no man tear apart. Satan does not want this love to exist between these two, because they will show God’s love to others together. God’s love cannot be replaced so easily. You have to wait on this love or you do without. God never said it would be easy. Look at us. Are we easy to be loved by God? Or are we forever making mistakes, needing grace, and forgiveness. God is so patient, so why are we surprised when God calls us to be patient with others?

I think in some ways we give in to easily. We forget to fight. We forget the power that God has that can help us. We also forget that God is worth it. So many give up everyday. They emotionally give us on their children, the ones they love, and give up on God. Why do we find it so easy to do that. I think we get worn down, and forget to get build up by God’s power. Remember if we continue to fight, and not give up, God will find a way to encourage us when we need it most.

I don’t know about you, but do I really want satan to destroy love. No, I don’t want that at all. I am here to say that I see the battle, and I am staying in the battle. I am here to fight for God. I am here to fight for love.

Jennifer Van Allen

www.faithincounseling.org

www.theprodigalpig.com