So, I have just returned from a mission trip to Haiti. God is doing wonderful things there and I am so honored and blesses to be able to experience some of that in the little time I was able to. Praise God for all He has done!
The devil is very active in Haiti with more than half the people here practicing voodoo of one form or another. In preparing for this trip, I have encountered obstacles and distractions, opposition and even doubt. But I needed to stay strong in the Lord and pray often. I also noticed that during this week, I was often distracted while praying or skipped my morning prayers. I did make sure to read my Bible every day which encouraged me to pray. I had to keep my mind on God and pray as often as I can for the mission, for the kids, and for what I am doing while I am here. James said to resist the devil and I did just that as much as I could. Seeking God’s word and asking him for protection and guidance always works, even when things get tough. God wasn’t necessarily visible this trip, but I know He was there and I can see the work He is doing at the mission.
Anyways, we all go through struggles in life and wonder if we are doing the right thing or does God really hear us and things like that at one time or another. The devil likes to put lies in your head, but remember that his desire is to destroy your faith and keep you from sharing God’s love and grace and prevent others from a saving relationship in Jesus Christ.
John 10:10
Jesus says, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill and to destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it more abundantly.”
The thief is the devil. He will find ways to destroy and keep you from turning to God.
2 Thessalonians3:3
But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.
If you turn to God, he will protect you from the evil one. He will give you the weapons to fight against him.
James 4:7
Therefore, submit to God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
The devil has already lost the war. Christ is victorious. There is power in His blood. There is power in prayer. Give it all to God. 1 John 4:4 says, “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” God promises to protect believers from the forces of evil. It doesn’t mean you won’t go through battles, but He is fighting for you. Those who trust in the Lord can claim victory over evil because Jesus died on the cross for us. We will all go through spiritual battles and the devil will do what he can to prevent us from doing the Lord’s work and instilling doubt and make us complacent. But God is faithful and will give us the tools to fight our battles. And He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Ephesians 6:10-18
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints
So, turn to God, read His word, know who you are in Christ, follow Him always, living in a way that honors Him. Don’t buy into the devil’s lies but rely on God’s truth.
My Daily Scriptures 