Blitzkrieg is a German word which means “lightning war”. It is used to exemplify the speed with which a military campaign can be waged; fast like lightning. And there is no better enemy at the blitzkrieg than Satan. God said it best to Cain:
“You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.” Genesis 4:7 (New Living Translation)Did Satan waste much time when he was given the “go ahead” against Job? Absolutely not! As fast as the messengers could come, they had reports of destruction. And that is the same way he is towards you. He is lying in wait for you to open the door to him, and then he will pounce with lightning speed.
Consider the case of Bubba. OK, his name isn’t really Bubba, but the story is true. He is a member of the men’s accountability group I attend every Tuesday night. He is a born again Christian and father. He attended church regularly and was self employed. Two things happened that started the attack. Bubba’s divorce was finalized at the same time that he had an incredible month of prosperity in his business. He was left with a stack of cash and a license to party.
“For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.” Proverbs 1:32 (King James Version)
The attack started with a thought: “I wonder if you still have it? I wonder if any woman will still find you sexy?” And then the thought started to germinate. That’s when the bottom fell out and the lightning war began.
Less than three months later Bubba was back in the group. He was telling about spending time with the wrong crowd, going to strip clubs, doing drugs, having anonymous sex, bringing porn into his house, and even stealing his son’s Ritalin to crush and snort.
The grace of God is an amazing thing and his mercy endures forever! God will fire a shot across the bow to warn you that destruction is eminent. Here was Bubba’s shot. He was standing in line at an after hours sex club where he was waiting to go inside. The police came screeching up and raided the place. He got away. Had he been inside, he would have been arrested and lost everything including custody of the son he loves. That’s when he shared a moment with the “prodigal son”. Scripture says the “he came to himself” and he and Bubba both wondered “what the hell am I doing”?
There is a Chinese proverb that says “A man falls seven times, but he gets up eight”. Bubba has confessed, repented, and gotten back in the saddle to ride. The lesson he learned is how fast the destruction can come once the door is opened to the enemy.
May God be praised that he will leave the 99 and go after the one lost sheep.
If you think it could never happen to you or me
read this and let it soak in:
Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Galatians 6:1 (New Living Translation)
