Enemy: “Oooh, that post you wrote … did you mean it like that? Although, I suppose it’s too late now.”

Me: “Um, I think you’re taking it wrong. Surely no one else will see it that way.”

Enemy: “Oh, I’m pretty sure they took it like that and now, what a shame, it’s even worse. You should hear what they think! Lean in a little and I’ll explain it all.”

Me: “You’re a liar. And God’s going to tell me the truth about this whole thing. So um, I’m taking it to Him. Get off my back. But, uh, just so I know, what do they think anyway?”

Enemy: “That you’re ridiculous for even trying this. That you’re so out of your element it’s painfully obvious. No offense of course, I’m just repeating what I heard. Oh, and then there was that comment about not having been really raised in the church. Listen, I didn’t say it …”

Me: “REALLY? Oh boy. I’ve been worried about these very things …”

Enemy: “I know you have. And I’m only trying to help.”

Then, before I know it, the father of lies has my full attention. I spend the day worried, hearing him instead of hearing God.

Am I the only one? Does the enemy whisper like this to you? Does he have you second guessing your posts, your blog, your writing? Are there things you’d like to write or maybe even have written but are holding back on? Worried you’ll offend or someone will take your words wrong?

Sometimes I tune into the doubts the enemy tries to plant, rather than believe the truth God is showing me.

And I can’t stand it.

I know I’m doing it when I feel like dialing a post down. Holding back out of fear, out of worry of being misunderstood. I know it’s the enemy when I post something and for hours (sometimes, days!) I hear him in constant criticize mode.

Sometimes I can sit and think about a post, before it’s written

and think …

and think …

and think …

(Was anyone else thinking of Prudence and her potty right there? “And sat and sat and sat …” Maybe it’s just because we’re back in potty training mode right now.)

… and never actually write it. Something seems to happen every time I try. I can’t “get it out”, or maybe the dog keeps woofing or my two year old decides it’s a good time to dump the sugar bowl on the counter. On it goes.

He finds a way to attack … either before it’s posted or after.

It’s at those times that I remind myself God knows my heart. I do not have to prove myself worthy to Him. The voice of condemnation is not His.

He has given me a message and it is up to me what I do with it. I can either be obedient and follow through on what He is calling me to do or I can let the enemy talk me out of it. Allow me to become fearful.

I keep this in mind,

God doesn’t want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible. —2 Timothy 1:7, MSG

What works for you when the enemy comes down hard on a blog post, or something else you know God’s called you do?

You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. —John 8:44, NIV

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10, NIV