Women Arise! Weekly Devotional (March 30, 2009)

 

 

 

You're Still Here! 

 

 

I want you to think about something: If the devil could destroy you, WHY ARE YOU STILL HERE? The short and simple answer is, "He can't!" Yes, he can certainly cause you a lot of pain and suffering, but even then he has to get permission from God! He has no power except that which God allows him (Job 1:6-12)...And except that which we, ourselves sometimes allow. Now I don't want you to be ignorant and think that you can let your guard down, and just ignore him either! But I do want you to be aware that we can sometimes put TOO much time and attention on him-thus giving him more power over us. That 'power' causes us worry, fear, doubt, insecurity, etc.

 

 

But then, there are those times that we don't pay enough attention, or we don't put enough time into thinking about Satan! We go about as if he doesn't exist. There are even many (including Christians) who really don't believe that he exists! But we have to remember what the Word of God says about Satan, this master deceiver!  "Be sober and vigilant, for your enemy roams around like a roaring lion seeking whom to devour." (I Peter 5:8); "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (James 4:7); "...for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light" (II Corinthians 11: 14); "....When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar, and the father of lies." (John 8:44); "...the ruler of this world" (John 12:31, II Corinthians 4:4). There are many more scriptures, but I'm sure you get the point: He is VERY real! As real as God! Take him seriously, but not so seriously that you put him on a higher 'platform' than God! Also, don’t allow him a foothold into your life by disregarding God and His commandments. Many, NOT all of our problems could be avoided if we would just obey the Lord! He knows what is best for us.

 

 

Satan knows that he is already defeated and his time is short, so he is busy spending his time trying to bring as many souls down with him as possible! Resist him! Trust God and know that if the Lord allows something to enter your life, it is ultimately for your own good! It could also be discipline, for "the Lord disciplines those whom He loves" (Proverbs 3:11-12, Hebrews 12: 5-11). Or it could be the consequence of a poor choice you or someone else made that affected you. Regardless of what the 'reason', God can and will use each circumstance in your life to bring about the fulfillment of His great purpose for you! And ALL that God does is GOOD so you will be just fine regardless of how things SEEM right now!  Remember: YOU ARE STILL HERE!

 

 

Prayer:

 

 

Father, we ask You to give us all a healthy understanding about the enemy of our souls. Give us 'eyes to see' and 'ears to hear' that we may have a proper balance in our fight against Satan. Teach us how to keep our eyes focused on You, but at the same time be alert and prepared for Satan's attacks. Help us to stand firm and trust You no matter what-knowing that You are, and will always be right there with us in the midst of every storm, every battle, every fiery furnace we are thrown into!  And when You pull us out, we will be refined pure as gold, without even a hint of smoke! Thank You for all You have done, are doing, and will do in each and  every one of our lives! Thank You Father that WE ARE STILL HERE, so we know that there is a purpose for us! We pray this prayer in Jesus' mighty Name! AMEN!

 

 

Much Love in Christ,

 

LaTanya Scott