“If you fall to temptation and come under Satan's rule for a time, you learn what an evil taskmaster he is.
Satan plants temptation in one saint, hoping it will blossom into sin and its seeds will be carried to other hearts by the winds of conformity or disillusionment so that they are either encouraged to sin by example, or discouraged in their own walk by the scandal.
God once again fools Satan, by making such sins a seasonable warning to others to look to their standing. When you see a meek Moses provoked to anger, you keep more careful watch for such chokeweeds in your own unruly heart.
God also comforts His afflicted saints by showing them what a rocky road some of His dearest children traveled on their way to heaven. Is your conscience distressed by your sin? Is your soul grief-stricken because Satan has convinced you there is no hope of pardon? The lives of some of the greatest saints are an indisputable rebuttal to Satan's accusations against you. David's sins were great, yet he found mercy. Peter denied his faith, yet he is now in heaven.
Does God love you any less than them? Has He not promised to pardon all who are of a contrite heart, Psalm 34:18.
Another way God allows Satan's attacks is as a training ground for His saints. The saint who has been severely tested is best equipped to help other suffering saints. The best drill sergeant is not the general behind the desk but the man who has served in the front line of battle. So here you put your faith to work in earnest; all your graces are called into action. If you fall to temptation and come under Satan's rule for a time, you learn what an evil taskmaster he is. He wields an iron rod in one hand and a cruel lash in the other, with which he intends to drive all his subjects to hell. But the sincere child of God when he sins feels the sting of Satan's whip, knows how to escape. He runs to the Word and to God Himself. And he yields to the kind ministrations of the Spirit. “ AMEN and Amen!
Quoted material from, ”The Christian in Complete Armour Daily Readings in Spiritual Warfare” by Gurnall and James S Bell. http://www.moodypublishers.com/pub_productDetail.aspx?id=41823&pid=53617
Artwork from Rose Publishings booklet on Spiritual Warfare. http://equippersnetwork.blogspot.comafid=27
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