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- Oct 26, 2007
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But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard [you] from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3
There will be times when you'll be under intense attack by the devil. Why then and not some other time? Probably it's because the devil--like a shark drawn by blood--senses when you're weak and most susceptible to temptation. Luke 4:13 (NIV) says that after tempting Jesus, "he left him until an opportune time." He wasn't getting anywhere, so he retreated and waited for a future opportunity.
The Lord will not only strengthen you to enable you to withstand the enemy, but He Himself will protect you from his protracted attacks. You may wonder why God doesn't immediately dispose of the devil but allows a lengthy battle, but this is often to toughen you and to demonstrate your resolve. You may not understand why God permits it, but you must trust Him just the same.
One of the most oft-quoted promises states, "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (James 4:7 NIV). But he won't necessarily flee immediately. Often you will be required to take a stand, defend your ground, and continue resisting the evil one. Finally, when he can't stand it anymore, he will suddenly turn and flee.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I pray You strengthen me and protect me from the enemy. Don't allow him to get the victory in any area of my life, I pray.
There will be times when you'll be under intense attack by the devil. Why then and not some other time? Probably it's because the devil--like a shark drawn by blood--senses when you're weak and most susceptible to temptation. Luke 4:13 (NIV) says that after tempting Jesus, "he left him until an opportune time." He wasn't getting anywhere, so he retreated and waited for a future opportunity.
The Lord will not only strengthen you to enable you to withstand the enemy, but He Himself will protect you from his protracted attacks. You may wonder why God doesn't immediately dispose of the devil but allows a lengthy battle, but this is often to toughen you and to demonstrate your resolve. You may not understand why God permits it, but you must trust Him just the same.
One of the most oft-quoted promises states, "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (James 4:7 NIV). But he won't necessarily flee immediately. Often you will be required to take a stand, defend your ground, and continue resisting the evil one. Finally, when he can't stand it anymore, he will suddenly turn and flee.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I pray You strengthen me and protect me from the enemy. Don't allow him to get the victory in any area of my life, I pray.