Take Captive Every Word

So this was definitely something that was impressed upon me as I was at work earlier today.  In the past few days, I have noticed that Satan to try to trash the self-esteem and self-image of my self and someone else close to me.  Instead of allowing us to accept the fact that we are fearfully and wonderfully created and that we are God’s work that is wonderful (Ps. 139:14), he has a tendency to point out our flaws to try to make us ineffective.

I told someone close to me the other day that Satan often times does not focus on the smaller things in life, but instead he tries to overwhelm us where we are strong.  In the past year, I have experienced that quite a bit.  I had a break through yesterday after I realized what it is that Satan is doing, and I feel as if God has lifted that burden from me.  Satan was discouraging me from pursuing my goal because he knows the damage that I can do to his kingdom.

So how do we change our perspective?  Many will say to surround yourself with wise counsel, healthy friends, study the word, and spend time with God.  Those are all well and good, but we must remember to do something at the very basic level: Take every thought captive.

Paul talks about this in 2 Corinthians 10:5.  He talks about the spiritual battles that we encounter, and that the weapons that we us are spiritual and not earthly.  Things that are dangerous to our souls are errant words, insults we received growing up, and spiteful criticism to name a few.  Can we avoid these words or change these words?  No, unfortunately.  We have to be able to forgive those who said it and know that it is not our true identity and not let it stick to us.  How do we do this?  Take every thought captive and test it.

I wish I had a cool acronym for this, but here are the steps to taking words captive:

Identify:  You have to know where the attack is coming from.  Often times, if we do not know our enemy, we are sent into a panic or get frustrated because the picture is not very clear.  That is why we have to be able to sit and figure out that it is Satan sending these messages to us.

Engage:  If we just sit back and let him attack, we will lose.  This is why we have to take an active stand.  Pray against words and aggression that is tormenting you.  Establish a group of friends who will intercede when you are weak and be willing to stand along side you when you are strong.

Disarm:  Satan is the father of all lies (John 8:44).  Know that what he speaks is cancerous.  Once you expose his lies, yes, he may continue to fight and struggle, but the main point of his attack will be taken away.

Bind:  When someone is taken captive, they are bound and can be led around by force.  This is why we must make sure that when we have these words, that we show that we are the ones in control, and that the words do not control us. 

Detain:  After someone is taken captive, they are detained.  While being detained, the words will be tested and revealed as beneficial or malicious.  In this case, the malicious words will be destroyed or locked away because they serve no good.  But always remember, you are in power over the words… not them over you.

Today is the day that I hope that you will be able to take a stand against the destruction sent at us.  I know in my life, I had quite a few words that were thrown my way that were total lies.  Whether it was someone discouraging me when I was happy, being told that I was not adequate, someone trying to defeat me before I began something, it is evident that Satan is attacking me.  I continue to press on because I do not want to give him the satisfaction of winning. 

Also, it is worth noting, that Satan answers to God… not God to Satan (Job 1:6).  So continue to ask God for the strength to endure and the power to cast out his darkness. You are a conqueror through Christ who loves us (Rom 8:37), the battle might not yet be won, but it will be and we should live with that confidence that we will win.

Know that I firmly believe that you can conquer the negative words in your life.  God believes in you too.  There will be many trials that come our way and will shape our character, but he is there to help us through and to give us strength.  I know that he has in my life, and I know he can in yours.

During the darker times, I have a box of cards, hand written notes, and gifts from people who love me.  This reminds me of the positive things when it feels like Satan is trying to strip me of what God has blessed me with.  I also have friends who remind me from time to time when I am down.  If you do not have either of these, please start today!  It helps me tremendously and I am sure it will help you as well!  We need encouraging reminders when life gets rough.

In closing, I want to remind you that instead of the lies that you have been given, remember…

I am a child of God

I am fearfully and wonderfully made

I am a conqueror

Whatever negative words are thrown your way will never those descriptions away that away.  So stand tall, stand strong, and take captive every word.