THANKFUL

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Lord, since You sealed me forever as Your child and I became Your follower, sometimes I think I’ve got a target on my back. When You chose me, You knew what You were getting—a most flawed and imperfect human. Despite my broken state, You welcomed me into Your kingdom. Although You soundly defeated the enemy’s power over me by Your cross and resurrection, the devil refuses to go down without a fight. If there is one thing about the devil, he is consistent. Accusing me of sins, past and present. Pointing his boney finger every time I fail in obedience. Non-stop persistence in one temptation after another. It’s enough to make the strongest weary. Are these attacks what Peter described as “suffering” in adversity? (1 Peter 5:9) Nowhere is it written the devil fights fair.

Nonetheless, Your Spirit protects me and assures me I’m not alone. My brothers and sisters in Christ around the world fight the same fights, these attacks of feeling inadequate and unworthy. But You have used these situations since the Garden to overturn the devil’s guilt tables. You use adversity to teach us how to walk closer with You. When we’re facing problems and trials beyond our ability to resolve, who else can we trust but You, Lord, for Your Word promises You work all things for our good. Romans 5 outlines the steps how adversity develops more Christlike character in those You call Yours. You never promised being a Christ-follower would be easy, just rewarding in ways we could not imagine.

I gotta smile. Again, it’s a win-win for us and the devil gets another stompin’!

Stomp, Jesus, stomp! Amen.