Standing Up to My Accuser

At a Sunday service one morning, I found myself next to an attractive women around my age. As I usually do in similar situations, I talked with her and then let my conscientious nature take over to help me focus inward on staying self-controlled during the service. Then I heard the Spirit of God tell me He wanted something else-- He told me to not let her leave without inviting her to our young adult small group. Now, this was not in itself a difficult task, except that it is exactly the opposite of what I have done with attractive but unfamiliar women for years. Instead of reaching out to them as Christ would, I had allowed Satan's accusations that I am 'lustful' to keep me from doing anything but be polite.

This time, as the Spirit of God and the voice of evil prodded, something inside me rose up. It named the lies that were being thrown at me and dismissed them for the nonsense they were. This made it clear what I should do. So, before the young lady could make her way out of the aisle, I reached out and tapped her on the shoulder. I then told her about our group and asked her if she would like to join us. Unfortunately, she declined (but now without showing a hint of interest). Even at this marginal result, I was encouraged by the encounter. For the first time in a while, I had stood my ground against the accusations of the enemy about the purity of my intentions. In doing so, I had chosen to do the good God had asked of me where I had often not before. This gives me a new feeling of confidence, which I can sense that this delights Him as well as me.