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Devotional Email for Mar 11

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John 16:33 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
33 "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."

Notice that Jesus did not say, "You wont have tribulation", or "If you have tribulation". No Jesus said, "In the world you have tribulation". Some Christians get knocked down when they come across hard times. They look up and whine like they were being punished. Tribulation will come. Tribulation comes to Christians for two reasons - They are out of the will of God or because of Satan.

When you are out of the will of God you have stepped out from God's protection and opened yourself up for trouble. This can happen because we did not know the right thing to do and we made a mistake. Or we knew the right thing to do and did not do it. Either way you can make a mess of things in no time, if you are not careful.

1 Peter 5:8-9 Amplified Bible (AMP)
8 Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.

9 Withstand him; be firm in faith [against his onset--rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined], knowing that the same (identical) sufferings are appointed to your brotherhood (the whole body of Christians) throughout the world.

Peter is telling us that we should resist the Devil because the same afflictions are happening to all Christians. Did those afflictions come from God? God forbid, they came from Satan.

Matthew 4:4,7,10 New International Version (NIV)
4 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"

7 Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"

10 Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'"

When you face affliction don't whine about it. Follow Jesus' example and say "It is written..." Stand firmly on the Word of God and Satan will flee every time.

Speak the Word: Father I will face affliction with courage and determination. I have the courage to use your Word. I am determined to endure until I have the victory.