EQUIPPED FOR GROWTH (3) Growing our character in our life in recovery may be a challenge. We have an enemy who wants us to remain chained to our destructive thoughts and emotional outbursts. God gives us grace and strength to successfully fight against the lies and attacks of the evil one and also frees us from the chains of our past.
We prepare ourselves for the battle before us when we surrender ourselves to the power of the Holy Spirit. It is His mighty power and authority working through us that sends the forces of darkness fleeing. We equip ourselves for victory when we bring an open ear to God’s voice and remain self-controlled and alert to His leading throughout the battle. We employ effective weapons when we stand firm in our faith in God and resist the devil. We put the enemy to flight by consistently applying the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, just as Jesus did when He was tempted. 
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:12-13 NIV) Growth comes when we choose to rely on God regardless of our circumstances. The enemy of our souls is a created being with limited power to act against us. God has ultimate power and will deliver us from the enemy’s deadly traps and shield us from whatever comes against us. God’s word says that He works all things together for our good. He has promised to stay with us to the end, completing the good work He has begun in us.
Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us. (2 Corinthians 1:9-10 NIV)
God has provided tools and instructions to equip us for effective growth today. Are we willing to pick up these tools and follow the instructions in the manual?
Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. (Colossians 2:7 NLT)
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