In our lives I believe that the biggest challenges and struggles we encounter are caused by the devil and his evil. In Ephesians 6:12 Paul writes, “For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against persons without bodies—the evil rulers of the unseen world, those mighty satanic beings and great evil princes of darkness who rule this world; and against huge numbers of wicked spirits in the spirit world.” These forces are smarter and stronger than we are. They tempt us with things that draw us closer to their evil, one small step at a time; Drugs, pornography, fortune tellers, stories about ghosts and demons, and the like. We think these things are harmless but they are the lures to pull us in further.

We should stay away from these lures, as Paul wrote in Philippians 4:8, “Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about.” This will help prevent us from being exposed to the lures of the devil.

Only God can help us if we are caught in the many evil snares of the devil. Psalm 145:18 says, ” He is close to all who call on him sincerely.” Sincerely calling on God means we submit to Him, turning away from those behaviors, people, and activities we know are wrong for us, and putting our trust in God to get back on the right track.

Paul gives us hope in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”

Dear Lord, help us and those we love turn our backs on the lure of evil and submit ourselves to you. thank you that we know with you we can overcome any challenge this life sends us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.