October 22, 2014
Contrary to what many believe, Satan is not responsible for every one of our troubles. However, he will whisper in our ears during our trials trying to make us believe that we are going through them because God has forsaken us. I spoke recently to someone who has just gone through a very trying time and when I inquired how things were going, I was given a reply similar to this: "I'm doing okay now; I'm not going to let the devil rob me of my peace and joy." I replied, "good for you."
I get happy when I see people overcoming Satan's subtle attacks, those who have a good understanding of the Christian life, who do not get discouraged every time they go through a trial. Neither do they get angry with God like those I wrote about in yesterday's topic. They never forget Jesus' words in John 10:10 concerning the devil's primary functions against his sheep (followers): "The thief cometh not, but for to steal , and to kill , and to destroy : I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." Some are as savvy about Satan as the Apostle Paul who wrote that strong believers are aware of all the devil's devices and do not permit him to take advantage of them. (See 2 Corinthians 2:9-11) I failed to include it yesterday, but those who get angry with God have probably swallowed the lies Satan whispered in their ears.
I trust you too will overcome Satan's evil schemes by taking your problems and trials in stride when they come. I am reminded here of a short little Spanish chorus we used to sing years ago that said: "The joy that I have, the world (you can substitute the devil) did not give it to me, and because it did not give it to me, neither can it take it from me." Be like the prophet Habbakuk who bravely declared that he would rejoice in the Lord even when the fig tree did not blossom and there was no fruit on the vines, and the fields were barren and some sheep from the flock and part of the herd was missing. (See Habakkuk 3:17-18) Keep the eternal truth in mind that Nehemiah uttered many centuries ago that the joy of the Lord is our strength. (Nehemiah 8:10) Remember that there are no losers among the Lord's children, only winners, and that God's people are a happy people.
Memory verse for the week: (Psalm 51:6 NLT) “But you desire honesty from the heart, so you can teach me to be wise in my inmost being.”
