There are many things in life that test our faith. We usually think of difficult, unpleasant things, but sometimes even good things. (Wealth, fame, the praise of men?) Whether we pass or fail the test, depends a lot on how we identify the source and purpose and consequence of the test. If the test is from a trusted friend or instructor, and the consequence is only positive, you’ll respond differently than if you see the test as the enemy out to take your life.
Here’s a huge truth that you absolutely must know to get the correct perspective: Jesus said that “the thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy…” John 10:10[KJV] The thief He refers to is Satan, the devil. He said the devil does not come around, EXCEPT to steal, kill, and destroy. Even if he comes bringing gifts, he is there to steal, kill, and destroy. If the devil is doing ANYTHING to you, even if it’s only whispering in your ear, it is not a game. It is not trivial. I repeat: He is there to steal, kill, and destroy!
Satan does not come to TRY your faith. He comes to DESTROY your faith. He comes to KILL! He comes to turn you to the pits of hell! IF he can’t do that, he will try to steal from you, or at least make you ineffective, and powerless to help your brother in the battle.
Yes, WHAT Satan does to try to destroy you and yours, will certainly put your faith to the test, but that is not WHY he does it. He intent is not, to see how strong your faith is. If you only think he’s come to try your faith, you trivialize the battle. Even if it’s only the first little step of many, his ultimate, unwavering purpose is to DESTROY you. When you understand that, you will fight like your life depends on it, because it DOES!
Besides that, James 1:1-4[KJV] says that the “trying of your faith worketh patience”, and when you “let patience have her perfect work”, you will be “perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” Satan has no intention of doing anything that will make you perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If he sees that all his attempts to destroy you are only making you stronger, he may just “depart from you for a season”. (See Luke 4:13) As a matter of fact, James 4:7 says, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” That’s God’s Word!
I’m excited to continue into God’s side of the trials and tests. James 1:17[KJV] says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, or shadow of turning.” I’ll pick up there in another post. God is GOOD. ALL the time!
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