(Romans 8:28) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
The devil cannot be a dumb robotic thorn in our flesh who repeatedly bangs his head against the wall with us and God. God can take the wiles and snares of the devil and turn them around to our benefit, surely. But I think that is not the rule but the exception. If the rule, then why keep doing it? Is he that stubborn and foolish – like Wiley Coyote? I think not.
Therefore we must conclude that he must receive some great gain, some exceptional pleasure, and tremendous satisfaction in vexing us. There exist for him a compelling reason to walk, seek, and devour. His success must be much more compelling that his failure.
Romans 8:28 outlines the exception to which has been wonderfully and graciously applied to us, God’s people. That verse is for one people, them that love God. So therein lies our protection and peace from the wiles of the devil, to love God.
Evil things happen and come to us by the hand of the devil and his devils, but by the hand of God, it can be turned upside and inside out to instead bring us gain. What was meant to be a curse to us, God can make a blessing; an amazing work that Jesus can do but for one question: Lovest thou me?
Those that love God can be assured and rest in the care of our Father. But all else will succumb to the power of the devil. (Psalm 1:6) For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. Thank God for the Rock on which is built Jesus’ marvelous church! Thank God that the gates of hell will not prevail!
Amen, Honey!