Psalm 86:11

Devotional Thoughts

We must be fully aware of the enemy’s schemes and methods. The most powerful weapon in Satan’s arsenal is a vicious lie — from the master liar! What is his biggest lie? That God is not faithful to His people.

Just as he has done throughout history, Satan wants to attack our homes, our marriages, our children, our health, our jobs and careers, our very belief in the Lord. Jesus told Peter, “Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat” (Luke 22:31).

You may wonder, “Exactly how bad can it get for a believer? What does God allow when He gives permission for us to be sifted?” I direct you to Hebrews 11 where we read of the multitude of trials endured by martyrs and heroes of the faith. Scripture says of them, “though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect” (see 11:39-40).

The same kind of suffering and hardship these early believers suffered is happening to believers throughout the world today. Christians in the Middle East are under grave threat for their faith and many have had to run for their lives, fleeing their homes, jobs and churches. Many have even been killed — and still those that remain minister the gospel in alien nations where they have been banished by war. Through it all, they have found that God is faithful to His children.