Very good devotion. Thanks for sharing.
Sandra
________________________________
From: proverbs31-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <proverbs31-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> on
behalf of Linda Ryan <claminator@xxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2023 5:23 AM
To: proverbs31@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <proverbs31@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [Proverbs31] Today's Devotion - Victory Through Faith
Victory Through Faith
“For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory
through our faith.”
—1 John 5:4
During Operation Desert Storm in the Persian Gulf, Americans learned about new
technology such as smart bombs with pinpoint accuracy. We heard about missiles
with cameras to show whether they hit their intended targets.
As we walk with God, the devil fires his so-called smart bombs at us. His
flaming arrows are swift and silent. We don’t receive advanced warnings of the
attacks. They come unexpectedly and at the most inopportune times.
They may come in the form of an impure thought, a moment of hatred, or an
onslaught of fear and worry. And when we feel guilty for having these kinds of
thoughts, our accuser, the devil, moves in for the kill
He whispers, “How could you think about something like that? What’s wrong with
you? What kind of a Christian are you?”
We need to understand that this is an enemy attack. It’s a barrage of flaming
arrows. So, what are we supposed to do when this happens? The apostle Paul
gives us the answer in Ephesians 6: “In addition to all of these, hold up the
shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil” (verse 16 NLT).
Notice this is a shield of faith, not a shield of emotions. If we base our
Christian life on fluctuating emotions, we will quickly suffer defeat. There
will be times when we don’t feel God’s presence. There will be times when we
don’t feel that great.
It is then that we come back to faith in what God has said and in His promises
to us. It is then that we take God at His Word and believe.
The Bible tells us, “For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we
achieve this victory through our faith” (1 John 5:4 NLT). Faith is of paramount
importance. As long as you believe God, you’re raising the shield of faith.
