Beth Moore

Reasoning and Rationale: What Happened?

I may never fully know or be able to explain exactly what happened or how, but the following explanation, observations, and apology is based on Beth Moore’s book “Arm Yourself Against The Enemy’s Schemes: A taste of when godly people do ungodly things.” My family, counselor and Beth’s books have helped me bring reason and some answers to so many questions about my self and also have brought awareness to my actions and to ensure that my guard is never penetrable bye the “enemy” again.

To begin Beth states:

“Those who are wholehearted and sincere in devotion to Christ can be beguiled by the enemy, whose utmost fantasy is to corrupt and seduce.” (Adapted from 2 Cor. 11:3, AMP).

“Many people who by the grace of God have never been had by the Devil wrongly assume that all departures from godliness are nothing but defiance, rebellion, and proofs or in authenticity. They have no idea of the suffering involved when someone with a genuine heart for God slips from the path.” (I Pet. 5:8)

I am quoting not because I can’t explain, but because her words, adapted from God’s word says exactly what I was feeling, yet could not recognize or break through the grasp of the wicked trap I was caught in. I am not searching for everyone to understand or forgive; I know this will take time, time, and more time. However, I am searching for an opportunity, a chance to explain, understand and build what was so badly destroyed by the Enemy’s seductive and mind warping trap.

Through Beth Moore’s words I am coming to understand the Enemy’s plan to seduce the “saints, “ God reminds battered believers how loved they are and how much the Father longs for their restoration, and most of all how to begin to restore and fortify my life, relationships and most of all my walk with God, faith and belief.

In her book she outlines 5 basic steps to understanding: The first is Understanding the Enemy’s Plot.
“The Enemy’s objective in taking people captive is to get them to do his will. If we have received Christ as our Savior, Satan is forced to work from the outside rather than the inside, thus manipulating outside influences to affect the inside decision-makers of the heart and mind.” – Timothy 2:26

Secondly: Acknowledge Points of Vulnerability
This chapter explains four weaknesses that left me open to attack
1. Ignorance – the #1 element that sets us up for deception

2. Spiritual passion that exceeds biblical knowledge – believing but now knowing WHY
3. A lack of discernment – “an intimate knowledge of God’s word is the best defense we have against a moment when the temptation to do wrong feels like the nudge to do right.”

4. A lack of self-discernment – “The enemy’s seduction is purposeful, well planned, and well timed; nothing about it is accidental or coincidental.” They confronted me in the day of my disaster – Ps. 18:18
When we know where our personal weak places are, we become better equipped to survive the strike. God desires to cover our weaknesses with his strength. Our job is to acknowledge and ask for the help we need.

Thirdly: Hear the Warnings of the Seduced
10 claims shared by those who were enticed to do ungodly things after living godly

1. Individuals were caught off guard by a sudden onslaught of temptation or attack – caught / trapped in sin – Galatians 6:1
2. Many felt as if they had just entered a new season of growth in their relationship with God when the unimaginable happened
3. Mental bombardment
4. In the case of relational seductions, the enemy got to them through someone close by
5. Early warning signs were rampant; however, they rationalized them away
6. Totally uncharacteristic and sudden behavior patterns
7. Practices of isolation
8. Deception and secrecy involved
9. Utterly hated what they were doing – felt trapped or too far gone to know how or who to ask for help
10. The seduction of the enemy only lasted a short time

Lastly: Know that God is in Control and Learn the Steps to Reconciliation

We must submit to an intense period of detoxification, deprogramming and reprogramming.

Get humble and ask for forgiveness – Only when we once again admit our failures and humbly ask Him to forgive us do we reaffirm our commitment to letting Him be Lord over our lives – rationalize nothing
Feel sorrow over sin – when we humbly ask for forgiveness and allow the gravity of what we have done to soften our battered hearts, we take a giant step closer to the Father’s protective, healing side.
Trust God, Not the Feelings
Rest in God’s Mercy – God forgives and forgets – Jer.31:34, Heb 8:12

The above is not meant to be a lecture or “look, I am aware and everyone should love me” boast, this is the beginning of my journey to reconciliation, forgiveness, knowledge and strength in faith, my family, and friends - new and old relationships. This walk with God must start with knowledge and a foundation of trust, love and devotion. I am starting here with an open mind, aware and ready for a stronger marriage, family, and relationships - all guided and protected by faith.

Thank you Adam, I love you.