Nothing is more encouraging
than when the devil is on the run.
Resistance is indispensable when lifting weights and
using exercise equipment to build muscles. If too little weight is placed on the
bar, muscles aren't challenged to heft it. Current muscle mass may be maintained
and toned, but increased muscle mass probably won't occur. A similar
circumstance materializes when using exercise equipment. If the resistance isn't
increased, muscle mass won't be challenged and therefore increase. Resistance
may not be pleasant, but toning and increasing muscle depend on it.
Resistance is also essential when confronting my arch
enemy Satan. "So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee
from you." (James 4:7 NLT)
Since the beginning of time, Satan has been the arch
instigator of evil. Eve fell to his schemes as did Adam, and so has every human
being since then. Me among them. When I fail to resist, I continue to plunge
headfirst into his dastardly schemes. Allowing his temptations to get the best
of me only leads to disappointment, discouragement, anger, and failure to live
up to God's standards.
James speaks as if I have the power to resist the
devil. And I do. But not in my own capacity. Only by relying on the indwelling
presence and power of God's Spirit can I hope to overcome and defeat the work of
Satan in my life. God promises no temptation will be so intense that I can't
sidestep Satan's evil campaigns. I simply have to ask for God's wisdom to help
me see the door of escape.
Continual resistance builds my spiritual muscles. As
my spiritual muscle mass intensifies, falling to Satan's schemes becomes rarer.
My successes will outnumber my losses. Eventually, the things that once grabbed
my attention-but shouldn't have, will become less attractive. Satan may tempt me
with new distractions, but, like the old ones I no longer desire, I can learn to
live without these too.
Let God assist you in resisting the devil so you too
can enjoy spiritual success.
Prayer: Eternal and powerful God, we trust Your power
to help us resist our enemy and overcome his evil plans to destroy us.
Martin Wiles
Hodges,
South Carolina, USA
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
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The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.