When the devil provides it hurts

You know how hurt I become when I know I have been overcome by my lust for whatever is worldly. The devil provides, sometimes even when God is speaking audible to you through television, radio, DVD, social networks, etc. You could have switched on the Gospel channel because you feel the pressure mounting. You may have consulted some pastor or friends somewhere through a social network just before you take the decision to bribe someone. Sad, sad indeed that we often let down the army of the Lord just because what we see in front of us seems more valuable than eternity in heaven with God.

The devil wanted to provide to Jesus when he tried his chances in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). He provided options to calm Abraham’s fear of Pharaoh (Genesis 20:2) when he said Sarah was his sister.  The devil also did the same for David with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11), he provided a chance to cheat a man, Uriah, who way loyal to the colony. Nothing will stop him from providing you free internet to watch porn, secrete phone numbers to use to arrange for a bribes, etc. You may have tried all you could to escape the trap but you find yourself being drawn into sin and you eventually yield to it. The devil never gives up and that you should know whenever you fall for the same sin. Later in the post I will suggest what you can do to keep winning over the devil.

You surely would not expect someone like me to say that, but I must sadly admit that I fail the test sometimes.  I’m tossed around also like everyone (2 Corinthians 4:8) but I purpose to wake and follow Jesus. He never gives up on me, even when I’m ashamed to approach Him.

What the World Says about Christians

You know that non-believers know how Christians should live. They know where we Christians fall. They would proudly say statements like,

‘we know they don’t pay for sex in the streets but they watch porn and have sex with the girls on television and the internet’.

‘we know they don’t bribe government officials in the open to win tenders, but they do in secrete just like we do’.

‘we know that they never cheat their wives but their minds are full of lust for the girls they see around, they watch porn anyway’

Christians are a shame in the world and the devil delights in that. I have some suggestions to the believer who still wants to be on the Lord’s side even when they fall.

What is the solution? 

1. Don’t be ashamed to call on Jesus for forgiveness and the provision of strength never to do it again.
2. Try by all means not to look or even have a slight sight of the things that will cause you to sin. Don’t look at the cleavage, buttocks, short skirt, etc. of the woman you see while you drive or whom you work with. Again you have to ask Jesus for help in prayer.
3. Take time to read the Bible, even if its 15 minutes. At least, send a text message or a social network update that has the Word of God in it. You may use those that are shared freely but edit things that are not in line with Christian beliefs.
4. Avoid triggers of sin. Switch the channel on TV, disconnect your device from the internet or shut down your  PC. It will take an effort but pray in your heart for strength.

Believe me, this is just a few of the things but they are countless. The living should always be Godly minded and sort out any discomfort in their faith. The reason is that there should not be any time a Christian should not be holy because any of such moments the devil can take chances and kill the Christian. When you have not in good terms with God, the devil has access to your will and may lead you to a dangerous place where you could loose your life.

Why so much effort?

If God desires for everyone to be saved and go to heaven, why then does it demand so much effort from believers to make it. The Bible has the answers.

Its a given that a Christian will be in a fight with the body. Paul said it, ‘But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified – 1 Corinthians 9:27′.

Matthew 7: 14 says, ‘But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it’. Finding this road and going in it has to demand an effort. It is also true that some of us will try and still not find the right way that leads to life.

The instruction is clear in Philippians 2:12 says, ‘Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed–not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence–continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,..’.