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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: TRIP (08/25/22)
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” (Matthew 6:13 NIV)

When Jesus taught His disciples how they should pray, He urged them to pray for deliverance from the ‘evil one’. There is good reason Jesus wanted us to pray this plea frequently. Have you ever been living life with everything going along well, and then it seems you trip over something, not a physical barrier, but something you were not expecting? The fall usually results in a debilitating low, right?

You are in good company! All through history, good people have been tripped up by circumstances in their lives. The writer of Chronicles records a case in David’s life—“Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census”, (1 Chronicles 21:1 NIV). This did not please God.

Luke 22:31-32 states Jesus’ words to Peter, “Satan has asked to sift you as wheat”. And, Luke records in Acts the story of Ananias. “Ananias, how is it that satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit…”. (Acts 5:3 NIV). Don’t think for a minute that the Master Tripper Upper won’t try to bring you down!

We need not give up in despair, however. We have hope. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 assures us, “But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.” We also have protective gear at our disposal. The Apostle Paul outlines what we need to put on every day—“Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes…”. That armor includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace for our feet, shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. In addition to all these, pray! (Ephesians 6:11-20 NIV)

Finally, we can ask God to give us strength to resist the snares of the evil one. James declares, “submit yourselves then to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7 NIV). Don’t let satan steal your joy by causing you to trip and fall for one of his schemes. Call upon your Father, instead.

“Father, life is hard sometimes. I am so vulnerable to stumbling into satan’s traps. Help me to stay alert, reading your Word and calling upon Jesus for deliverance from temptation. Help me to conscientiously put on the armor You have provided. Thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen!”


NIV
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Arlene Baker
09/03/22
The lesson offered here is a good one. However, to engage a reader, one much get the reader's attention and the most powerful way is via emotion. So, rather than list a series of verses, give a compelling example - real or fictional - that pulls the reader in, engages the reader and touches the reader's heart. Keep scribbling!