This study has helped me see the root causes of much of my self-inflicted pain. By that I mean, others have sinned against me and I have willfully sinned myself. But it is understanding what I do with that pain that is key! I cannot prevent in a fallen world, others from hurting me, because it is in the fallen nature of man to do so. But I can choose to forgive and not let a bitter root form because of it. I can see what has driven my sinful choices in the past and I can choose not to make those same choices again. I can accept God's forgiveness through the precious blood of Jesus and move on. Now that I am more aware of the enemy's battle plan, I can be a strategic general of my own army and load myself up with my own amunition - The Word of God, my own battle plan, the Holy Spirit's counsel and my own Red Cross recovery kit - forgiveness and cleansing under the blood of Jesus. I feel much more equipped - not just someone who goes into the ring with my fists down and receives one blow after the other. No, now I am armed and ready. I taunt my enemy back with "Is that all you've got? Come on, bring it on defeated one!" I have gone from being victim to being a Holy Spirit-empowered VICTOR! Hallelujah!
