What are the first 3 “d’s”?
You know the devil has a plan for your life right?
His first plan is to make sure you are “degraded” – that you take actions that do not align with your core values, and the best long term future for you. You know, you just know in your heart and soul that you are not in the right place. Your self-worth and self-talk become distorted, either arrogant or absent. You start to put on a face, becoming a different person when you are with others from when you are alone. Something has happened to you as a result of those actions.
The second “d” sneaks up on you after you realise you are degraded. Now you start to become “defeated”. You can see no way forwards, no way out, no real hope. You do the best you can and it’s just not enough. You are losing the sense of being alive. Sometimes you hide away from others, avoiding people who illuminate your condition. You put your confidence into schemes and your own ability. Constantly you come up short in some areas, and the sense of defeat spurs you on. You don’t realise that more frenzy of the same just leads to a greater sense of defeat.
The third “d” is the devil’s ultimate plan for your life. You sense that you are being “destroyed”. You feel the sense of loss creeping over you. You question so many things and try to justify your position. The devil will never stop until you are destroyed though, even when you put up resistance.
What are the second 3 “d’s”?
You know God has a plan for your life right?
His first plan is to help you by “discipling” you. You take actions that align with your core values and your highest purposes in life. They move you towards your best ever long term future. You know in your heart and soul that you are in the right place. Your confidence is placed securely into His keeping. Your face shows your inner beliefs to all you encounter. You are the same person no matter where you are or what you are doing. Something is happening as a result of these actions.
The second “d” gently locates itself with you as you start to “desire” to be in God’s presence more and more. You see a bright future and a great way forwards. You live your best life and recognise and appreciate the grace that rests on you for your failings. You are drawn to spend time with like-minded people, intentionally making that happen. Your trust is in God and you see growth in every area of your life. Love draws you on. You recognise that you can always go deeper, and that the victory is yours.
The third “d” in God’s plan for your life is “delight”. You delight in His presence, seeking Him day and night. You sense you are finding your life even as it may look like you are losing it. You understand enough to satisfy your soul and to be at peace with yourself and others. God does not leave you there, he loves to spend time with you.
Here we find the secret place – the seventh “d” as we learn to DWELL.