July 7, 2018

When You Least Expect It

​Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. (2Corinthians 2:11)

On the heels of a spiritual victory it's tempting to let down your guard, but that's when you're most vulnerable to Satan's attacks. You can't afford to be ignorant of Satan's devices." Even Jesus wasn't exempt. In a display of supernatural power, He fed five thousand people with five loaves and two fish. After a miracle like that most of us would have decided it was time to kick back and take it easy for a while. But instead of basking in the afterglow, Jesus "departed into a mountain to pray" (Mark 6:46). It wasn't apparent at the time, but He was about to face one of the fiercest storms of His ministry (see Mark 6:48). One Christian author observes: 'The disciples raced headlong into the tempest unprepared, but Jesus entered the storm prepared and met the crisis with all the power of God .  .  . Stand guard over your high points .  .  . when you experience God mightily...go immediately to a place of prayer so the Father can prepare you for what's to come." Times have changed but human nature hasn't. We're still our same old predictable selves—and Satan knows it. That's why Peter writes, Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (1 Peter 5:8). To stop him from gaining an advantage: (1) Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7); (2) Surround yourself with godly companions (see Psalm 1:1); (3) Stay connected to God through His Word and prayer. Vern McLellan said, "In the morning prayer opens the treasures of God's mercies and blessings, and in the evening it shuts us up under His protection and safeguard." That's a fail-safe strategy you should adopt. 

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The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. (Proverbs 29:25)

Trust in the Lord with all of your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. In all of your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight (Proverbs 3:5-6). Trust God. He is infinitely able to provide your needs. Entrust your path to His mighty hands. He shall always protect you from the snares of the enemy. By His strength you are made much more than conquerors! Fear not, for He is infinitely better than your fears!

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This week's (#27) schedule for reading the Bible:
Sunday: (Law) Leviticus 10-12
Monday: (History) 2 Kings 1-5
Tuesday: (Psalms) Psalms 78-80
Wednesday: (Poetry) Proverbs 8-9
Thursday: (Prophecy) Ezekiel 19-24
Friday: (Gospels) Luke 17-18
Saturday: (Letters) Phillippians 3-4