Sis, Learn From Me - Be Cautious:

Proverbs 24:16 “Though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again.”

Hey sis, in this blog we will be discussing how the enemy truly prowls and how, on our end, regardless of the season we may be in, we must strive to walk in the Spirit.

Journal Prompt / Testimony: This week was full of chaos, failure, and hurt. On April 3, 2024, our family endured a heavy loss—the death of my cousin, Montanae, who was a mother, cousin, niece, and daughter, taken by gun violence. Her trial began last week. Of course, the enemy’s goal is always to kill, steal, and destroy—to cause chaos, strife, and anger in the atmosphere.

The details of her trial were leaked to Facebook, which caused a huge uproar from both sides of the family. Seeing the hurtful comments, gruesome details, and arguments genuinely angered me, and I began moving in the flesh. I was commenting hurtful things—regardless of the fact that this is still God’s child. This is an ongoing reality that I and my family must accept: we have to forgive.

I argued with members of his family to the point where, instead of running to God to process my feelings, I turned to substance abuse. I have a familiar spirit with alcohol and marijuana—when I was living in the world, it was my escape. God had freed me from that, but in the midst of hurt and pain, I lost sight of that truth.

After work, I decided to buy a bottle of alcohol and a bag of weed and surround myself with people who struggle with those same familiar spirits. In that moment, I didn’t think I was drinking that much, but my actions proved otherwise. Unfortunately, I made very poor decisions while drunk—decisions that could have left me dead or in jail the next morning.

I said hurtful things, became physically violent by pushing someone away, and put both myself and others in extreme danger. It is nothing but the grace and mercy of God that I am here typing this today. The following morning—and for four days afterward—I wrestled with conviction that eventually turned into condemnation. My anxiety relapsed, and it took a physical toll on my body.

Message: We must understand that the closer we get to Christ, the heavier and more strategic the attacks will be. No matter what season you are in—pain, heartbreak, loss, grief, or anger—you cannot return to a lifestyle or people that God has already freed you from.

Why play on the devil’s playground when he knows you are a threat to his kingdom? Oh sis, the enemy will try to make an example out of you. The devil was thrilled the moment I picked up that bottle. In case you didn’t know, alcohol is also referred to as “spirits.” While that term comes from chemistry, my spiritual understanding is this: drunkenness weakens discernment and opens doors to poor judgment.

That is why we are instructed to be sober-minded and watchful (1 Peter 5:8). Ephesians 5:18 says, “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery.” The enemy is prowling like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8)—but God had other plans.

He redeemed me. He gave me another chance, just as He gave Jonah another chance after Jonah made the wrong decision and ended up in the belly of the fish. I thank God that He did not allow me to die in my sin. However, forgiving myself was difficult, and the other person also struggled to forgive me—which is understandable.

What is not understandable is continuing to beat yourself up over something God has already forgiven you for. Even if others choose not to forgive us or define us by our past mistakes, God does not. Do not give in to condemnation—it is not of God. A saint is simply a sinner who fell down but got back up.

Sister, please learn from me. Continue to do what is right, regardless of the circumstances. The enemy is eager to catch you off guard. May God continue to love and protect you.

Have a great day or night, sis. Talk soon!