I don't know if it is true or not about putting a frog in cold water and then heating it up to boiling and he won't notice. I don't plan on trying it (poor frog).
That's what spiritual warfare is often like. It creeps up on us without us noticing until we are bound by it.
Once we realize it than we tell that enemy to flee in Jesus' name. And He will. Jesus' name is powerful.
This is what has been happening to me the last week or so. And I didn't realize it. It started with a talk with a dear friend over the phone. I often have a hard time understanding people when listening to them on the phone. Conversations are disjointed and I miss some things people say. I have no idea how it feels to the person on the other end. I called my friend to encourage her. I got off the phone feeling something had just not been right.
That was the first hit.
Then the Thursday night meeting (that was the post before this if you want to read it). Second hit.
Then a situation here in the home. Third hit.
Oh wait, there were a few more jabs Wednesday....I tell you I didn't notice them at first. Mainly because the enemy knows what he's doing. I explain some of the feelings away. Plus, when I look objectively at the situations I know the people had no intention of anything amiss. So, I tell myself to stop having these stupid feelings because they aren't based in reality.
That is negative self-talk I didn't even notice I was doing till right now! And the enemy uses that -- he knows how to make it appear just coming from yourself. He is sneaky.
So, where did it leave me?
I have wanted to crawl into hole, stay at home and not leave. My life won't allow that so I was doing what I had to do but suffering while doing it -- letting the enemy beat me up.
But no more!
Check out your own life......you might be dealing with spiritual warfare and not know it.
A Fight to the Finish (From Ephesians 6 from The Message Bible)
10-12 And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.
13-18 Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.