Genesis 37:23-28
23 So it came to pass, when Joseph had come to his brothers, that they stripped Joseph of his tunic, the tunic of many colors that was on him.
24 Then they took him and cast him into a pit. And the pit was empty; there was no water in it.
25 And they sat down to eat a meal. Then they lifted their eyes and looked, and there was a company of Ishmaelites, coming from Gilead with their camels, bearing spices, balm, and myrrh, on their way to carry them down to Egypt.
26 So Judah said to his brothers, “What profit is there if we kill our brother and conceal his blood?
27 Come and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother and our flesh.” And his brothers listened.
28 Then Midianite traders passed by; so the brothers pulled Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt.
In Genesis 37 we see where Joseph's brothers was conspiring to kill Joseph however, they had decided to throw him into a pit and then sell him to the Ishmaelites. This is something that the Devil had talked them into to remove Joseph from the position that God was going to give him.
John 10:10
10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
Satan will try to destroy you both physically and in your mind.
There are several Bible people that felt like giving up due to fear, burnout, or despair, but God intervened to provide strength and victory.
Let's look at some examples:
- Elijah (1 Kings 19): After fleeing from Jezebel, Elijah sat under a broom tree, severely depressed and burned out, asking God to take his life. God responded with rest, food, and a renewed purpose, turning him back into a "fired-up servant" who finished his ministry strong.
- Gideon (Judges 6-7): Hiding in fear from the Midianites, Gideon felt too weak and inferior to lead. God met him in his doubt, providing encouragement and a miraculous victory with only 300 men, proving that strength comes from dependence on Him.
- Jeremiah (Jeremiah 20): Known as the "weeping prophet," Jeremiah faced intense loneliness, persecution, and depression to the point of wanting to give up his calling. God strengthened him to continue his work, making him like a fortified city against his enemies.
- Moses (Exodus 2-3): After fleeing Egypt as a murderer and spending 40 years in the wilderness, Moses felt unqualified and afraid. God called him back to confront Pharaoh, resulting in the miraculous deliverance of the Israelites from slavery.
- Peter (John 21): After denying Jesus three times, Peter felt like a failure and went back to fishing. Jesus appeared to him, restored him, and gave him a new charge to lead the church, leading to his bold witness at Pentecost.
Satan will convince you that things are entirely different than what you think you see. How many times have we every said something to someone and they took it a different was that what we meant it to be.
Satan will paint you a pretty picture.
There is a new movie that is coming out called "Animal Farm" where all of the animals are getting loaded onto a trail and on the side it say "laughter House" and then the door swings shut and the "S" shows up and it says "Slaughter House." Now that was a little deceiving.
You see Satan will make it look like fun are that it is ok to do or say that when in realiaty it is not ok.
It reminds me of when someone says how do you like my hair and it becomes a fully loaded question.
However, in all of our times of trouble if we will call upon the Lord, He will fight for us.
Deuteronomy 20:4
4 For the Lord your God is He who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.’
Satan is a liar and if we will stand upon God's Holy Word then we will come out victorious.
Satan loves to play a spritual game with you.
He will tell you "You've sinned too much. You're too far gone. God can't possibly forgive you."
There is several things that will shut him up.
When the enemy says you’re too messed up, remind him:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
When he says you’ll never be free, shout back:
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)
When he says you’re too weak, declare:
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
Let me tell you what the Bible says:
Philippians 4:7-8
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
You don't try to argue with the devil or reason with him. Tell Him you are standing on the Word of God.
There is freedom, there is forgiveness and There is power in the name of Jesus.
We must shut out the devil and fill our minds with Jesus.