“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NIV)
Do you receive spam in your inbox, mailbox, or voicemail? Spam is designed to lure you into something you never intended.
Recently I received an automated phone message that my iCloud account had been breached by someone in Germany. As I followed the prompts from the message, I ended up speaking with a person that said he would need to have remote access to my computer so that the breach could be corrected.
Y’all, this was a scam!
In this world, we can expect trouble. Because of this truth, we must become wise as serpents and gentle as doves (Matthew 10:16).
The enemy disguises himself and plays on our insecurities, ignorance, and emotions. He speaks lies that feel like truth and portrays himself as honest.
Paul clearly warns us about the enemy’s schemes, “I have done this so that we may not be taken advantage of by Satan. For we are not ignorant of his schemes” (2 Corinthians 2:11, HCSB).
We are wise to counter what the enemy speaks with God’s Word. Jesus demonstrated this to us while He was being tempted by the enemy in the wilderness (Matthew 4). God’s Word is where you will always find truth, and this truth dismantles the enemy’s tactics.
What would have happened if I had allowed remote access to this stranger? He would have had access to all my information and perhaps infected my computer with a virus.
Catch this! The same thing is true with Satan. If I allow the enemy to breach my mind, he will have access to my insecurities, emotions, fears, and doubts. He will have everything he needs to tempt me into sin.
Friends, we can take heart in knowing Christ has overcome the world. God has given us everything we need to stand against the enemy. So suit up with your armor of God, saturate yourself in God’s Word, and march forward!
Lord, help me be wise and discerning, to know the difference between lies and truth. Help me recognize the enemy’s schemes. Let my shield of faith extinguish his fiery arrows. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Embrace His Truth: Proverbs 3:13; Matthew 4; John 16:33; Matthew 10:16; 2 Corinthians 2:11
