The Law of Seduction

“There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.” Matthew 24:7

As I read this verse I consider when I went into labor with my first born. Circumstances developed which prevented me from having any pain controlling medicine. At first there was discomfort which swelled into pain which exploded into unbearable suffering. With the intensity of the pain came the frequency of the contractions. This is how I understand evil in our world today and how Satan works.

Satan’s attacks have moved from the discomfort of sin in the past to an all out explosion of unbearable suffering in our world today. Paul warned the Corinthians about this as well as did Peter in his exhortation. ‘I am fearful, lest that…your minds may be corrupted and seduced from wholehearted and sincere and pure devotion to Christ.’ 2 Co. 11:3; ‘Be self controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith…’ 1 Peter 5:8.

What is most disturbing to me is Satan’s target – the wholehearted devoted children of God. I don’t know about you but this makes the hairs on my neck stand straight up! Satan will attempt to derail and diminish our faith and our testimonies. The greater our impact has for the Great Commission of God the more intense Satan’s attacks will become in destroying our testimony. Satan is well aware of the ending of this story – God is triumphal and Satan is banished. Satan is frantic and furious that his time will be cut short. Satan, as compared to a prowling lion, paces back and forth, watching his prey, anticipating our vulnerability with an uncanny instinct of when to attack with success. But we have One who is greater than Satan who will prevail in the end. ‘You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.’ 1 John 4:4. Just as the precious breath of the Trinity spoke into existence the creation, Satan will be destroyed by this same mouth. ‘And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming.’ 2 Thess 2:8.

Do not underestimate the devil. If you are in a state of loneliness, suffering, sadness or exhaustion, be alert and watchful for his schemes and temptations. You are to stay steady in the Word and cover yourself in prayer. Enlist the prayers of others to pray for protection from evil, a steadfast spirit and a continuing renewal of your mind in Christ…and please pray for me and for ELM.