Keep Standing No Matter What

God has given four structures of authority: family, government, church, and business. He conforms us into the image of His Son by putting us under one or more of these umbrellas of authority. When the Lord chastens us even through one of these umbrellas of authority, it is to prove that He loves us and that we are in a relationship with Him.

The Lord wants to protect us. Sometimes we forget that outside of the umbrella of protection is the enemy. “Be sober; be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are  experienced by your brotherhood in the world.” (I Peter 5:8-9)

The word for “devil” means “slanderer,” thus a malicious enemy who maligns believers. He and his forces are always active, looking for opportunities to overwhelm the believer with temptation, persecution, and discouragement. Satan sows discord, accuses God to men, men to God, and men to men. (The MacArthur Study Bible) He cannot take our salvation, but he desires to unravel our fellowship with Christ and take us out of Christian service.

PRAYER: Lord, please give us wisdom as we seek You for making right decisions and responses under these different umbrellas of authority. May we “Trust You with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding; but in all of our ways acknowledge You Lord, and You promised to direct our paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
By Sis. Cheryl Torain