Jesus described the end of the age as a time when "many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved" (Matthew 24:10-13).
Satan knows he cannot remove Jesus from the throne of heaven, but he will stop at nothing to see Jesus removed from the throne of our hearts. This is his agenda until Christ returns. How are we to respond to his schemes?
The Truth of God's Word reveals the lies of Satan.
The Bible clearly teaches that Satan and his minions are very real. This present world is a battlefield where unseen and powerful forces operate (see Ephesians 6:11-12). We see this heavenly assault waged daily in our schools, governments, and homes.
However, the most important thing to remember is this: The Truth of God's Word reveals the lies of Satan. Do not underestimate Satan's schemes. Rather, be prepared for them and stand ready to respond to deception with the Word of God.
Many people see the scope of Satan's influence in the world today and become so overwhelmed that they forget how to live for Christ, how to walk with Christ, how to serve Christ, and how to sacrifice for Christ. Some believers, when they go through the fiery furnace of life, are tempted by Satan to think that God has abandoned them and is not answering their prayers. As a result, they develop a cold heart toward the Lord. They lose their joy, their confidence in the Lord, their trust in His promises, and their warm sense of fellowship with the Father.
If you are experiencing these doubts today, be encouraged and of good cheer. God is hearing and answering your prayers even though you may be unable to see it. As you wait upon the Lord, do not allow your heart to grow cold. Stand firm in His Truth. Keep your heart warm toward God by dwelling on His love displayed on the cross for you.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, protect my heart from ever becoming cold toward You. Help me to be spiritually alert, not falling for the enemy's tactics but trusting in Your Truth. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
"This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins" (1 John 4:10).
Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef's sermon Timing Is Everything: LISTEN NOW
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