Stand Strong with the Lord
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
1 Peter 5:8-9
Resist the devil and his evil ways because in his last days Satan is in full force to take over the world. All Christians have to stand strong just as Christ did when he voluntarily sacrificed his life on the cross for our sins, giving those who believe eternal life. Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26) The Word tells us that God is sovereign over all creation.
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. (John 10:28) Whatever we go through in this earthly life, the Lord will give us the strength to endure it. Many Christians today are being persecuted and killed for their faith in Christ, but great is their reward in Heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:11-12 NASB) This is the attitude we have when persecuted for Christ because our spiritual souls are pointed toward Heaven.
Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. (John 12:25) Christians are eternally minded and we know this temporary life is not our home. If we love our earthly life more than our Heavenly life, the scripture says we lose our eternal life, but if we hate our life in this world, we have eternal life. The word ‘hate’ is used to compare our love for this world to our love for Heaven – to be with the Father and the Son.
No matter what happens to us in this life, after our last breath this temporary life is gone and our eternal heavenly life will begin. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28) Our body comes from the earth and returns to the earth but our soul lives forever. Our soul is our thoughts and personality, and when Christ returns, we get a new younger body that lives forever. In our eternal life, we will be living on a new heaven and earth in our new perfect bodies. There will be no decay, just like it was before Adam and Eve sinned. Satan and his demons will be in hell with his followers and the Father and the Son are living with us. We will live in the glory of God with no worry, no fear, no boredom, but living life with infinite contentment forever.
Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:58) Serve the Lord to your last breath and never let anything on the planet pull you away from Christ. He will give you His strength to endure.
Today, stand strong in Christ and boldly proclaim His love. Stay connected to the Lord in prayer, asking for his guidance and protection. Know the Lord is always with you.
Prayer: Lord, guide me in the Spirit to boldly tell others Your Truth. Give me the wisdom, strength, and courage to endure Satan’s evil with a heart of love. In Jesus’ name, Amen