Reflection:
1. Am I mistaken or oblivious to the work of the evil one in my Christian walk?
In the Reformed tradition, we understand that the reality of spiritual warfare is not mystical but scriptural. While we should not attribute every trial or suffering to the work of Satan, we must recognize the subtlety of his attacks. Satan works through temptation and accusation, often in ways that go unnoticed, leading us into sin or doubting our standing before God. This awareness should lead us not to focus on deliverance from every circumstance but on trusting in the sovereignty of God and His Word, seeking His will through prayer and Scripture.
2. Does temptation or accusation disturb me? How deadly can both be in my Christian walk?
Temptation is indeed common to man (1 Corinthians 10:13), but it is a weapon used by Satan to lead us away from God’s will. Temptation, when entertained, results in sin and death (James 1:14-15). Likewise, accusations from the enemy are designed to lead us away from our assurance in Christ. They breed self-doubt and hinder our fellowship with God and others. The Reformed understanding teaches us that both temptation and accusation are part of the ongoing spiritual battle, and they must be met with the truth of God’s Word, confession, and prayer. Both are deadly when left unchecked, but Christ’s intercession and the power of the Holy Spirit provide the victory (Romans 8:1).
3. What is usually the reason that makes me reluctant to pray?
Our reluctance to pray often stems from our fallen nature and our struggle with self-reliance. In the Reformed view, we recognize that prayer is not just a means of seeking help but a vital relationship with our sovereign God. We may feel too busy, think we can function without prayer, or doubt the power of prayer, but all these are symptoms of a lack of trust in God’s providence. The Holy Spirit calls us to prayer, even when we don’t know what to pray (Romans 8:26), and through prayer, we grow in communion with God, receiving grace and strength to face life’s challenges.
