Let’s Not Forget
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In Revelation 12:12, it allows us to know the devil is on earth wreaking havoc on the inhabitants. The evil we can see happening in this world, we can definitely see who the ruler of this world is (1 John 5:19). Satan’s goal is to lead as many as possible away from Jehovah. When things go wrong, who do people blame? Jehovah. They wonder why would Jehovah allow such things to happen. Credit isn’t going where credit is due for all the suffering mankind is experiencing–Satan.
crafty (adjective)-clever in accomplishing goals by whatever means; deceitful
Satan is accredited as the most crafty amongst all beasts in Genesis 3:1. Whatever way he can get the job done—> he doesn’t play fair. He’s full of deceit. He’s an opportunist. He’s compared to the wolf–An opportunistic predator. Back in the garden of Eden, Jehovah had warned Adam and Eve about one tree (Genesis 2:15). Adam and Eve was created perfect. I always wondered why God couldn’t give them another chance because He supplies us with so many—>They were perfect. There was no reason for Adam and Eve to slip up. Satan saw an opportunity and slithered his way in. What was the opportunity? Usually, wolves attack young, old, or sick sheep–They’re easy prey (vulnerable). Satan saw an opportunity to influence Adam and Eve to defy God. He desires for us to defy God. The world presents us with many temptations. Our Heavenly Father has standards. If we defy God, we’re separating ourselves from Him–that’s exactly what Satan desires.
When we’re blind–>We’re vulnerable. When we’re ignorant–>We’re vulnerable. When we willingly choose not to partake in reading the Bible–>We’re vulnerable. When we lack wisdom–>We’re vulnerable. We need wisdom to be able to conquer deception. We need prayer to be able to communicate with God asking to resist temptation. We need wisdom to be able to discern evil. There will be spiritual mentors who are wolves in sheep clothing (Mark 7:15)–You will need discernment.
Where does wisdom come from? “With age” is only a myth. Wisdom comes from the Heavens above. God ensures us if we seek, ask, and knock it will be given (James 1:5-8), (Matthew 7:7-11). Jesus would go off to Himself and connect with His Heavenly Father (Mark 1:35), (Mark 6:46). Physically, we’re weakened by circumstances; spiritually, if we’re in Christ–Nothing can separate us from Jehovah. When Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights (Matthew 4:1-11)–Perfect opportunity (for Satan to strike). Have you ever been so hungry that the first thing passing by may have been at risk…lol? I can just see Satan rubbing his palms together and salivating, thinking he would have Jesus in the palm of his hands. When we’re going through something, we don’t think as straight. Physically, Jesus was weakened; spiritually, He was strong. No matter what life takes us through, we want to be spiritually strong. We can’t resist Satan on our own.
There are spiritual mentors out there who are influenced by Satan. We have to be mindful. We have to be even more mindful when we’re struggling with trials–Perfect opportunity for predators. Satan loves when people are vulnerable. Ignorance–vulnerable. Trials–vulnerable. There are spiritual mentors out there that you are entrusting with your struggles and you’re being groomed. We may become physically weakened, but imitate Jesus–He was spiritually strong. He was so close to Jehovah; He wasn’t going to allow anything to penetrate that bond. It’s easy to say, but make it a goal: “No matter the struggle, I’m all in for Jehovah .” You may feel like giving in to temptation –That’s so easy to do…Take the long walk–Draw closer to Jehovah.
Recall Job’s story. We can definitely imagine the suffering Job experienced. What did Job do? Of course, nothing about it was easy, but he wasn’t going to allow anyone or anything to jeopardize the bond he had with Jehovah–He was spiritually strong. Satan robbed him of his children, wealth, attacked his health…Job could of taken his wife’s advice–He remained spiritually strong. Nothing is easy when we face hardships, but if giving up seems easy to you–Take the long walk. Be relentless at holding on to Jehovah. John 10:10 the devil is a destroyer and distractor ;Satan loves to create strife. He influences people to believe that God is punishing them. Or he stirs up doubt in them and weakens their faith. As soon as their prayers don’t seem to be getting answered–Doubt (begins). You have to know God and know he’ll make a way when there doesn’t seem as if there’s a rainbow possible. When it seems hopeless–Take the long walk—>Allow God to be your hope. Do not allow Satan to separate you from your only hope. Satan aims to create doubt and distress causing division of you from God. As a believer, remain spiritually strong. We are human and although we’re imperfect, lean on the one who is perfect.
Abraham doubted that his wife Sarah and he was too of age to have a child (Genesis 15:4-6; ch 16; ch18). God said that they would, but Satan created that doubt. Doubt caused Sarah to take matters into her hands and how did things turn out? We aren’t to ever doubt God. We can invest our trust into Him because He is the creator of everything. Isn’t that reason enough alone to trust God? If we had our way, every trial we’re going through–We’d remove it…Everyone would be healed…Just because Jehovah doesn’t answer us with the way we would like for things to be–trust that Jehovah has it worked out. Believe that He will work things out. Unbelief is powerful (Matthew 13:53-58). Do not allow Satan to separate you from your Heavenly Father.
Always remember, Satan is the father of lies, the destructor, the distractor, the deceiver…His mission here is to sway you off to the broad road or keep you away from finding the narrow gate. As believers, it’s a struggle, but hang in there. Ask yourself: “If I am hanging from a cliff, I’m given a rope, but can’t seem to pull back up, would it be best to just let go or hang in there and don’t give up?” As long as Satan exists, nothing about this life will be easy. That doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy life because we can. When we come to know Jehovah–That’s life. He’ll enable you to hang in there. Do not allow Satan to rid you of your rope.
Keep your focus on the hills Psalm (121:1-2)
Stay Blessed
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