3 minute read
Dealing with a Bully
from May 2022
Gò0dNews for Everyone
Dealing with a Bully
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by Kristen West
Ihit the crash bar on the door of the middle school and went running across the street. Finding sanctuary in a public laundromat, I called my dad and asked him to come to pick me up. A bully had it out for me. To this day, I’m not sure why. At the ripe old age of thirteen, I aimed to be as well-liked by everyone as I possibly could but this specific girl just wasn’t having it.
That particular night, as I sat with a handful of classmates watching a seventh-grade boys’ basketball game, this girl spread the message that she was going to “beat me up.” Needless to say,
the moment I saw her heading my way, I bolted. I huddled between the washing machines churning through their cycles until my dad arrived to rescue me. I don’t know if that girl even followed me to the King Koin Laundromat that night. All I know was that her threat alone sent me running.
I have felt that way countless times with our spiritual adversary as well. Have you? The devil and his devious cohorts use these tried-and-true bullying tactics all the time and are highly skilled at them. They spew threats, throw taunts, and lie to get us on the run—cowering in fear and cringing with worry as they slowly and methodically look to tear apart our faith. 2 Corinthians 2:11 encourages us not to be “… ignorant of (the enemy’s) schemes.” Bullying is one of the devil’s most classic schemes, and to be clear, it’s all he can do. But here’s the beautiful truth that, when seen clearly, will enable you to stand toe to toe with any spiritual bully—everything they say is a lie.
Paul encourages us to “…take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). Why? Because our minds (our thoughts) are where the war is waged. The devil knows he can’t strongarm us into doing anything we don’t want to do. But he has seen over the years how highly effective spouting lies and hurling threats can be, and when bullies find a hot button to push, they don’t tend to change their tactics. The solution? Examine those taunts and threats as you hear them in your mind and replace them with what’s true. Find those incredible verses that apply to your circumstance right now and pray them over your life, your heart, and your mind. In doing so, you’ll turn the tables on those bullies and put them on the run! (Of course, calling your Daddy always helps, too!)
About The Author Kristen West works at Rock Bridge Community Church with a heart for staff leadership, development, and care. She is a communicator with a passion to inspire, encourage, and challenge others in their daily walk with Christ. She writes and publishes weekly content on her blog at kristen-west.com.
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