It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way Week 5 — When the Enemy Comes Against Us

O Lord, in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee and will look up. — Psalm 5:3b

The enemy is vicious but he is not victorious. Because of Jesus, the victory is ours. ~ Lysa

OBS Friends, It’s hard to believe it’s week five of the It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way Online Bible Study with Lysa TerKeurst!

I had no idea when I started leading this study that this past week would be the most crushing week of my life. It’s been an unprecedented crushing season. I wish I could share more details with you, but I can’t now… it has needed to stay private. I’ve taken my complaints and grief to the throne of God seemingly nonstop, I have cried countless tears and have been on my knees, face to the floor, and this is where I’ve staked my flag… God is good. He can be trusted.

This is my song in the morning. With coffee, my Bible, and lot of tissues, I see that He is good.

“Give ear to my words, O Lord.
Consider my meditation.
Harken unto the voice of my cry,
My King and my God.
For unto Thee will I pray
My voice shalt Thou hear in the morning.
O Lord, in the morning
Will I direct my prayer
Unto Thee and will look up.” (Psalm 5:1-3)

Bad things happen. Evil occurs. Tragedies crash in. At least for me and maybe for you, too, when suffering thrusts me to my knees, when the enemy causes me to be hemmed in on every side, when temptation comes, when false accusations arise, these questions start to percolate…

What’s going on in my heart?
What’s in my head?
What do I truly believe?
Where do I put my trust?
Where is my security?
What is coming out of my mouth?
What is coming out in my actions?
What is my steadfast determination?

I don’t want to stumble, or waver, or recede in my faith when storms rage and I bet you don’t either. We don’t want to wobble and get lured in temptation because it’ll just make things so very much worse.

Then, after desire has conceived it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. — James 1:15

Jesus redirects the temptation of the enemy with the Word of God. ~ Lysa

In those shaken, or grief-stricken, or confused, or tempted places, we need the Word of God. Jesus was our example for this. We need to read the Word, know the Word, speak the Word, and let it permeate our lives and our choices.

If we aren’t digging deep to seek the source of Living Water, to seek the Word of God for ourselves, we will not have the grounding necessary to stand strong when the world’s ways try to pull us down. ~ Lysa

We long for what we look at and linger on. We steer where we stare. Where is that? What’s the focus? Is it on the One who loves us the most?

Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only. — Matthew 4:10

Doubts are normal, disappointment is expected, questions and worries are par for the course. But, in that crux of temptation, we must stay connected to the Word of God. Talk back to temptation using God’s own Words. Lean on God with all our strength. Use Scripture to speak to our thinking, doubt our doubts, and be renewed in our minds.

God knows best. He can be trusted. Seek Him. And, stay with Him.

So that the crushing produces rugged faith, steadfast obedience, and fierce adoration.

This week in your study:

1. Watch the video for session five on our study home page or live with other participants … Take notes in your study guide on pages 121-126.
2. Go through the study questions and activity with your group or on your own on pages 127-134.
3. Read It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way, Chapter 11.
4. Grab your Bible and enjoy your personal study this week on pages 135-147.
5. Join the conversation about the study and get to know fellow participants in the private Facebook group!

Scriptures this Week

James 1:15
1 John 2:15-17
Genesis 3:6
Matthew 4:1-4
Matthew 4:5-7
Matthew 4:8-12

Prayer for the Week

Jesus, we love You. You are our model for enduring through crises, hardship, suffering, and temptation. Help us to keep our eyes fixed on You. Not on fears, not on enemies, not on our pain or troubles, but on Your face. As we get into Scripture, let Scripture get into us. We want to be transformed and renewed. In the middle of the enemy’s games, receive our worship, God. We love you, Lord. Amen.