Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. - John 8:43
Walking alongside others is slow. Discipleship happens at the pace of...well...walking. It is not a sprint or a run. It isn't even a slow jog. Our people (much like ourselves) are often bound up in a carefully woven network of deception. The Devil has spent years wrapping and connecting threads sure to trip up and tie up the unsuspecting. We can even know what the Devil does but lack the perception to see it when laid across our path. This is why community is so very important.
Webs are laid for individuals with individual temptations in-mind. This means you can see what I cannot see for myself- the opposite is also true. It also means we can get frustrated with others we walk with. "Why didn't you see that? It's right in front of your face!" Well, we can't see it most often. The hunter is good at his job. Don't judge Eve- you would have eaten the fruit too. Believe me.
Let the Devil's preferred anchor points of deception from our message in John 8:39-44 become a guide. Become sensitive to half-truths (which are still whole lies), lingering pride/envy, and unhealthy emotional triggers (specifically anger and fear) in those we mentor. You can bet that what we see the Devil has already capitalized on.
Ask guiding questions and bathe your people in prayer. Only until they can feel the tug and pull will they allow themselves to be released. It will take patience and gentleness. A lot of walking and waiting.
The itsy bitsy spider went up the garden spout...
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