More Than We Can Bear

Read: James 1: 12-15

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” – Ephesians 6:13

People think that 1 Corinthians 10:13 says that God will not test us more than we are able to bear. Then they get angry with God when they experience trials that are too difficult for them. This verse actually states, "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it."

God gives us the ability to withstand temptations; but He usually gives us more trials in life than we can handle. More than we can handle, but not more than He can handle. He allows this to teach us that we can do all things through Him (Philippians 4:13). He encourages us to put on His armor to protect our vital spiritual organs as we go into battle (Ephesians 6:11-18).

God is our strong tower and our mighty fortress during our trials. He also provides our strength in trials, as we rely on Him at all times. God even promises to work all things out for our good (Romans 8:28). Even though the evidence is against us, we learn to see things by faith rather than by sight (Hebrews 11:1). Then, as we overcome life’s hardships, our faith grows.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, when I have done all I can, teach me to stand (Ephesians 6:13). Help me to remember that when my life is empty, You fill it. When difficulties overcome me, You deliver me. When I fail, You still love me; and that is all that really matters. 

Thought for the Day:

When you can't trace His Hand in your circumstance, trust His heart!

Defeating Satan

Read: 1 Peter 5:8-11

“Keep your mind clear, and be alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion as he looks for someone to devour.” - 1 Peter 5:8

Sometimes, we have momentary lapses in judgment when we follow the advise of our flesh or Satan’s influence and we rebel, steal, lie, hurt someone, etc. At other times, however, we unwittingly open ourselves up to satanic oppression or possession.

Dabbling in satanic rituals, ouiga boards, seances, sorcery, witchcraft, fortune telling, horoscopes, wicca, tarat cards, voodoo dolls, casting spells, using mystical powers, etc. opens the door of our life to Satan.

Christians who do these things will get oppressed by Satan and this will result in all kinds of entrenched rebellion, negative emotions, unforgiveness, physical illness and despotism. When we parents permit these sorts of things in our children’s lives, then we relinquish Godly authority over our children and hand them over to satanic forces. Non-Christians who do them may get demon possessed and go into Satan worship or worse.

God has equipped ALL Christians to overcome Satan's power. The Apostle Paul said that "the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (of a fleshly or earthly nature), but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds" (2 Cor. 10:4).

The Devil runs from submitted, yielded Christians."Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he WILL flee from you" (James 4:7). Resisting is done through prayer by the power of the Holy Spirit within us. God's power delivers us from satanic bondage, which we or our ancestors allowed into our life. I've seen the Holy Spirit set people free from the results of possession and oppression, which plagued them for years.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, help us to draw near to You and to stand against the wiles of the devil. Help us to walk in Your wisdom and discernment, so that Satan does not push aside our will and take control of our thoughts and actions.

Thought for the Day:

Over time Satan lulls our minds to the point where we call good evil and evil good just as the Bible says would happen in the end times.