February 24, 2002

A subtle, but effective, deception of the enemy is self-pity.  Self-pity will keep us from receiving the blessings of God.  Self-pity will keep us talking about our problem to the point where we can’t or don’t want to get through the problem.

It may seem quite innocent at first.  All of us enjoy compassion from others especially when we’re going through a difficult time and there’s nothing wrong with that.  But it can become a dangerous thing if we don’t want to overcome the problem because we’re enjoying the attention it brings a little bit too much.

The hypocrites enjoyed the attention of letting everyone know they were sacrificing something for the Lord.  They were fasting and wanted everyone to know that it wasn’t easy for them.  Jesus said that was their reward.  That was the only profit they got from their ‘sacrifice’.

I’m not saying there’s isn’t times we need to talk to people about our problems or difficulties.  We’ve all had times we’ve needed to talk to people about situations in our life.  There are times we need counsel and advice from others.  But when we continue to magnify the problem in our life over and above the answer the Word of God brings to us, then we begin to get into dangerous territory.

We must have a desire to be free from the problem.  The devil knows that if we lose our desire to overcome the situation then we won’t overcome.  And if we don’t overcome then not only are we not happy, but people may blame God or say it wasn’t God’s will for us to be set free, healed, saved etc.  God will get a bad rap for something that wasn’t His fault at all.  And other people may get discouraged and think that victory won’t happen in their life either.  It’s important for you to have victory in your life not only because God wants you happy but other people are affected by your life as well.

It may be more difficult when we’ve grown up in situations where the only time we’ve gotten attention was when we were sick or hurt or crying.  That may carry over into our adult life and into our Christian life if we don’t change our thinking.  God is a God of love who loves us and lavishes His blessings, comfort and attention on us in good times as well as bad.  We don’t need to be in bad situations all the time in order to receive His love.  Once we come through the problem He doesn’t withdraw His comfort or love.

Make a decision today to not enjoy the pain—not even a little bit.  But instead enjoy and rejoice in God’s deliverance and freedom which is much, much better!