“The devil’s finest trick is to persuade you that he does not exist.” __ Charles Baudelaire (1821-1867)
BAD NEWS: I chose an ugly picture to reflect the evil that does exist; no off-colored chubby-cheeked cherub in a shiny red costume with pitchfork and cape. The devil is not my (your) friend. But unfortunately a friend may be an instrument being used by our adversary.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:– 1 Peter 5:8
Peter does not prescribe that we be fearful, he doesn’t even advise us to forearm. The battle has been won. Jesus said that He has overcome the world (John 16:33). Peter simply advises us to be vigilant- watchful, alert, observant-and sober-minded as to the existence, activity, and destructive motives of the devil.
NEWS FLASH: Born-again believers have nothing to fear because our AWESOME God has committed to work all things out for our good and His glory. (Romans 8:28-29). God allows only those things in our which He can use to strengthen us, prove us, and to ultimately conform us to Christ’s likeness.
BEST NEWS: I remember where I was and how empowered I felt when I first heard the following verse. I wrote it on a note card and carried it in my purse for a year or more. Whether the adversity is in the form of persecution, illness, addiction, phobia, discouragement or condemnation, I pray that this verse comforts and encourages you as it does me. What Paul writes to Philipians sounds like something an Olympic coach might say to a competing athlete lol:
And do not [for a moment] be frightened or intimidated in anything by your opponents and adversaries, for such [constancy and fearlessness] will be a clear sign (proof and seal) to them of [their impending] destruction, but [a sure token and evidence] of your deliverance and salvation, and that from God–Philipians 1:28 Amplified Bible
It’s GOLD!
Grace and Peace,
Cheryl
Related Scriptures:
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.—John 16:33 KJV
And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. –Philipians 1:28 KJV
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