I think sometimes we talk so much about spiritual warfare that we leave the wrong impression on people. We do have an enemy and he is working against us daily to distract us from fulfilling the purpose God has for our life, but there is so much more. If all we faced were continuous battles in our faith walk, we would live a discouraging life. We would be on continuous alert, never able to let our guard down, because we would be afraid the devil would sneak back in. That is not the Christian life at all. The life with and in Christ is a life of joy and peace. God gives us a sense of satisfaction that nothing else in this world can give. Our lives become complete when we honor God by the way we live each day. My devotion this morning was in 1 Peter chapter 5 as he is warning believers about having an enemy. (1 Peter 5:8-9 Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9. Whom withstand stedfast in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world.) We put the emphasis on the first part of verse 8 and forget what he had written in the previous verse 7, casting all your cares on the Lord because he cares for you. We need that as a foundation for our lives. Yes, we will face problems in this life. Yes, things will not always go the way we want. We have to have a plan for our lives and follow that plan. When my enemy puts something in my path, I just have to remember to cast it on the Lord because He cares for me. We have to constantly remind ourselves that we are not in this alone. God is always by your side. God has your back. God knows the way out. God wants what is best for you. You are on the winning side. Stay with your plan. You may be facing more problems in your life because Satan is aware of the big plan God has for you. Pastor Don
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