Friday Fight 82 - Almost versus Always

Every Friday, when I wake and pray, God places something on my heart to help me fight darkness beginning in our minds. Today is FF82.

What do we think about when referencing the word ALWAYS? Spiritually speaking we know God is ALWAYS faithful and loving, or we will ALWAYS love our children or, in my case, ALWAYS enjoy prayer, coffee, and the ocean. But what thoughts come to mind when we use the word ALMOST and why even consider these word differences?

Almost versus Always:

The word always means "fully" or "eternally," so referencing the attributes of God applies well. Any term used to describe God's character can be modified by the adverb always, as in always forgiving or always gracious. God is always the same, not sometimes or almost, but ceaselessly the same. Christ fully redeemed us at the cross, and God is eternally gracious.

Now, focus on the word almost, an adverb that refers to "nearly" or "not quite." Almost is not a word I would ever use to describe God. What comes to mind when we reference the word almost? Certainly not God, as He almost forgave me or almost brought joy, ridiculously inaccurate. However, satisfaction comes when we are almost done with a project or have a loan almost paid off, and the thankfulness we feel afterward. So why even consider the distinction between applying two words? While we do not walk in perfection like Christ, we only have His perfect example to follow.

One of the most beneficial things I have learned over the last decade is how the enemy manipulates and plays on these words. The spiritual application of both words can impact multiple areas, but the most damaging is Satan cannot blatantly create any lie and expect us to accept it. The only way the lie is believed and later received is if it, to some degree, resonates with a person's heart. Therefore, any lie or manipulation the enemy is planning  must be ALMOST true. Darkness will take an utterance of truth, fabricate it, and then bombard our minds. Inevitably it is hurt or sin we have worked through, already forgiven, privately worry about, or openly carry.

Consider this from a different perspective. Satan may tell us it's acceptable to almost forgive, or to almost be faithful, justifying lies with more lies. Maybe the thought pattern with this word is to destroy in other ways, like our relationships. Is it beneficial or acceptable to be almost loyal after ten years of marriage or almost truthful in your sobriety? No, but when we fall short in these ways, we are still God's children and cannot allow ourselves to believe that God almost forgives us.

Perhaps Satan attacks our character by insinuating that we are almost good Christians, but in our countless sinning, we continually live with almost nothing that never changes.  Our day ends with the struggle of feeling less than which we attempt to dismiss in our minds. Through lies from Satan we feel nearly loved, practically cherished, and or just about secure in Christ. All the determinants of the word are almost, never being good enough.

When you feel unworthy or inadequate, be aware of the application of this lesson. For example, rather than believing that you are almost a good person or almost an honest Christian, posture your mindset differently and tell yourself that God always loves us. Perhaps in these moments, we formulate a spiritual strategy that reveals that Satan "almost" manipulated our minds but he was not successful. Not today, Satan!

1 Chronicles 16:11

Pastor Shannon

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