Con artists are abundant in this world, but not just in the financial realm. They also exist in the spiritual realm. The Bible informs us that Satan is the master deceiver. John 8:44 – Concerning the devil….”there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
We also see from the Bible that Satan uses people to deceive others. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 – “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness.”
The Bible teaches us that we are especially vulnerable to deception during our trials. At first thought, that might seem strange to you. Most of us do not believe we are in danger of being deceived. We are not that weak; we’re not that naive. But listen to James 1:12-17…
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
I’ve seen the “storms of life” destroy people. Paul described it this way in 1 Timothy – he said some people have “shipwrecked their faith.”
•I’ve seen people give up on their faith and walk away from God
•I’ve seen people quit on their spouse and leave the marriage
•I’ve seen people quit fighting their temptations and just give in – ultimately they are destroyed
•I’ve seen people resign from the ministry because the trial was just too difficult.
•I’ve seen people become bitter. They refused to forgive and move on.
Why do these things happen? These individuals simply became deceived. In the midst of the trial, they believed things that weren’t true.
James says, “Don’t be deceived.” This can also be translated, “Stop being deceived.” I mentioned a moment ago that as we are especially vulnerable to deception during our trials. It’s in these periods of our lives when things are dark, when we don’t understand, when the future is unclear, when our world seems to be caving in on us, that the devil comes by to speak to us. And often times, if we are not careful, if we are not regularly in God’s Word, we believe his lies.
•It’s always going to be this way.
•No one cares about me, not even God.
•If God is good and loving, why is he letting me suffer?
•If God is so powerful, why doesn’t he stop this and change my situation?
•Everyone else has it so good, I’m the only one struggling
To avoid deception in your trial, you must be alert.
James says, “the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
To avoid deception in your trial, you must acknowledge the goodness of God. James wants us to recognize that while we don’t always understand what we go through, we are called to persevere with a belief that God loves us.
Today’s Challenge: Whatever you are facing today, intentionally put your focus on the goodness of God. Be alert! Recognize the lies of the enemy. Keep the truth of God’s Word in your focus.
