I Was Almost Persuaded

Oh, foolish Galatians! Who has cast an evil spell on you? For the meaning of Jesus Christ’s death was made as clear to you as if you had seen a picture of his death on the cross.

Galatians 3:1 NLT

I have been following an online bible study of a church for several months now. I have thoroughly enjoyed the lessons because they are easily understood and applied to my life situations. Recently, the pastor changed the format to study the scriptures verse by verse. This focus has helped me analyze my walk with Christ and see where I may be falling short in my commitment to my faith. The latest study is in the book of Galatians. As the leader began reading chapter 3, I was captivated by the first verse as if it were my first time hearing it.

The New King James Version says, “who has bewitched you?” While The Message Bible says, “Did someone put a spell on you?” No matter which version you study, it all comes down to the fact that the Galatians had turned back to the old traditions and understanding. Paul is trying to get them to open their eyes and remember what they had been taught. I soon realized that I had fallen prey to the lies of the enemy. I had entertained the thoughts that had attached themselves to the emotions that I was feeling. I had been enticed to accept the despair of what I believed to be true based on how I was feeling.

As I considered Paul’s words, I began to ponder my state of mind over the past few months. I was emotionally and physically drained. I had reached a point of depression. I was anxious. My circumstances and world matters weighed heavily on my mind and heart. I had become downcast with no hope or even joy. I had become spiritually confused by what I felt, heard, and saw. I was beginning to believe my circumstances more than my promises. I was walking by sight and not by faith.

In Acts 26:28, King Agrippa tells Paul that he was almost persuaded to be a Christian based on the testimony Paul had given. For me, I was almost persuaded to forget the truth! The truth about who I am to Christ and who I am in Christ. I had been persuaded to accept defeat and give up! – But! The Holy Spirit prayed for me as I could not even pray for myself and caused me to cry out to God. Psalms 18:6 says, “In my distress, I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.” The Holy Spirit led me to read my old journals. As I began to read the prayers and revelations in my writing, I could feel myself settle down. I began to remember the promises of God and His love for me. Psalms 142 reminds me that no matter what or how we are feeling, it will not change His love for us. He will be with us and deliver us if we will believe and come to Him.

As the scripture tells us, we must renew our minds through continuous prayer and study of the Word. If not, we can make ourselves easy targets for the enemy because we will believe his lies simply because we do not know the truth. We will become persuaded to return to our old walk and accept defeat when we have the victory.

For a little while, I was almost persuaded to listen to my pain, anxiety, and the enemy instead of listening to the Father. As He promised, He remained with me until I came to my senses just like the prodigal son and returned to my Father. When I did, He welcomed me with open arms and renewed my strength. Because of this new revelation, I AM persuaded “that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 KJV

The Prayer

Father, I thank you for who You are. You are not a man that you would leave us to our defenses. You are not a man that does not care for us. Thank you, Father, for not leaving us nor forsaking us. Father, I pray for those that may need to hear these words. I pray that You meet them where they are right now. I pray, Lord, that this testimony is shared with as many as may be lost and in despair. Please, Lord, do what only You can do. I pray that they will allow You to come into their hearts so that they may know the truth.

In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Worship in Song