Guard

www.bible.com/1713/2th.3.3.csb

Need some protection today? You might if you are awake. In fact every moment you are conscious, you are in need of protection from the evil one. He is always seeking, always looking to whom he may devour, and you are on the menu. You are especially appealing if you are a believer, since the devil already has everyone who has resisted faith in Christ, for their destinies are certain if they do not repent. But those who have accepted Jesus, they are a different breed, a different kind who receive the devil’s special attentions. He knows his destiny is hell, but he is on the lookout to take as many away from God as possible.

But God will not lightly allow the devil to have his prize. God has not only equipped us with His armor, but also protects us with His army. His promises of protection abound in Scripture, as in this passage. He is determined to keep you in His grace as long as it depends on Him. That being said, He is not the only actor. And you are not completely passive, because the devil often employs Trojan horses,things that get our attention away from God and onto something else. As long as he can draw attention away from God, he has a route inside. These are the darts that Ephesians 6 refers to. They are small, and of themselves insignificant, but they can be effective at pulling your eyes off of Jesus, and that’s all the devil needs. For just as Peter began to sink beneath the waves, so we too will falter in our faith when our eyes have been off of Jesus for too long.

So what do you do if you find your feet have wandered off the path? It’s not too late. For as long as the Lord has you in this world, today, this moment is your chance to repent and get back on the path. If you still love Him and wish to serve Him, He has has never let you go, just return to Father. He has forgiven your sins, and He loves you. He wants you back and will accept you gladly. But never let that be your excuse for continuing in sin. You have an obligation to Him. He saved you from sin in a very humiliating act. Every time you sin, you scorn Him. Don’t allow this ease of return to be your license to walk away. That’s not what this is about.

If you have become a believer for the ease of its forgiveness, then you have embarked on this journey with the wrong destination. God didn’t call you to sin. He didn’t call you to constantly forgive you. He called you to be an example to others, as you model Christ. He called you to be a light in dark places. He called you to witness to the grace you have received so that others may received it too. He called you to be His ambassador in a dark world. That is why He protects you, because He knows you are easily distracted, easily discouraged, and easily knocked off track. He knows you are human, and He works in you to strengthen you, and continually mature you.

Yes, you are under attack from the moment you awaken to the world around, even into your bed and your dreams. But fear not, the Lord goes with you. He will protect you, but especially when you seek His protection. This world is a dark and evil place, corrupted by the enemy. But it is also the creation of God, and in it you will find His handiwork. Be encouraged today that the Lord, He is God. He will protect you. Go forth in confidence that the Lord has work for you today.

Heavenly Father, help me today to remember who I am in Your sight. Help me remember that I have a job to do, and an enemy who will stop only at Your command to derail and discourage me. Please be my Protection, my Guide, and my Light. Lord Jesus help me today to speak Your words to others I meet, that I might offer hope and salvation to those who are lost. I pray these things in Jesus’ Name, Amen.