Treasure Digest
The Devil's Devices: 4 Ds
Satan the devil has a plan to destroy us, and often he uses the four Ds listed below. For our spiritual safety, we must not be "ignorant of his devices" (2 Corinthians 2:11 2 Corinthians 2:11Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
American King James Version×).
Disappointment. Any time we look to people we can be disappointed, but if we trust and believe in God, we won't be put to shame (1 Peter 2:6 1 Peter 2:6Why also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believes on him shall not be confounded.
American King James Version×).
Discouragement. When we dwell on disappointments, it automatically leads to discouragement. But God has given us the Scriptures to encourage us (Joshua 1:5-8 Joshua 1:5-8 [5] There shall not any man be able to stand before you all the days of your life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with you: I will not fail you, nor forsake you.
[6] Be strong and of a good courage: for to this people shall you divide for an inheritance the land, which I swore to their fathers to give them.
[7] Only be you strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded you: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.
[8] This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; but you shall meditate therein day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success.
American King James Version×; John 14:1-3 John 14:1-3 [1] Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in me.
[2] In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
[3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
American King James Version×, 27).
Doubt. Discouragement left unchecked leads to doubt. When Peter took his eyes off Christ and focused on the waves, he doubted and could no longer walk on the water (Matthew 14:29-31 Matthew 14:29-31 [29] And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
[30] But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
[31] And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said to him, O you of little faith, why did you doubt?
American King James Version×).
Division. Doubts and worries can lead to division of our loyalties. These can also lead to divisions between people and distancing from God.
Being aware of these devices can help us fight against them and focus on God's plan instead. "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful" (Hebrews 10:23 Hebrews 10:23Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
American King James Version×).