As I read these two verses, what I hear old Peter saying is this: “Don’t be naive, brother. Don’t be gullible, Sister.” Don’t think your faith will somehow exempt you from trials and temptations and invoking the name of Jesus is a sure-fire devil repellant. Dealing with difficulties is a road all will travel at one point or another in life. Perhaps this is why the apostle writes in the preceding chapter:

“Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.”

~ 1 Peter 4:12 NLT

There are so many difficulties out there making your navigating life a difficulty in and of itself: Sickness and disease, pain and loss, addictions, bad habits, obsessions, compulsive behaviors, mental anguish, anxieties and much much more. In our faith journey, every believer will face opposition, count on it. There will always be something or someone rising up to challenge your resolve, to hinder your spiritual growth and cause you to sometimes miss the mark. But let’s not make the mistake of assessing our spiritual progress, or worth to God based on performance. You will never be more righteous, more redeemed, or more valued by God than you were on the very first day you believed. Or perhaps better said: You cannot be any more or any less saved tomorrow than you are now. “How is that possible,” you ask:

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

~ Romans 8:1

Regardless of how difficult the struggle you at any time may be going through or how defiant the stronghold in your life appears to be, continue to resist the temptation to give in or give up. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you,” James 5:7 tells us. Believe me, if it were not possible, it would not have been written.

>We pray that God has used this devotional to encourage and challenge you. If you would like to speak to someone about a spiritual decision or engage in a spiritual discussion, please email info@clifec.com.<