Safe, but are we secure?

But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. (2 Thessalonians 3:3)

When God says he will guard us from the evil one, he is not merely saying he will 'keep watch' to alert us to his next attack. He is reminding us that he will keep us safe from harm. Danger may lurk at about every turn, but we don't need to be overtaken or surprised by it. We will be protected - held safe from harm. 

God is indeed faithful - his faithfulness is never-ending even when ours is a bit shaky at times. Guarded hearts and minds are made stronger and stronger each time they interact with him. We may not even realize just how much our 'strength' is increasing, but when we are hit with the attack of our enemy, the evidence becomes very clear - God is with us, in us, and is moving through us.

Too many times, we attempt to stand our ground in our own strength and wisdom. I know for certain that all my wisdom is not 'self-taught'. Much of what I have come to learn over the years was learned squarely at the feet of the one who guards my heart and mind! How about you? Are you attempting to stand your ground against this powerful enemy, only to find that your 'footing' is slipping away?

Attacks are certain. When we are developing an ongoing, close relationship with Jesus, we can count on the enemy of our souls consistently attempting to stop us in our tracks. Why? He is not threatened by our inconsistent 'dedication' to God, but he is when we press in, getting serious about our walk with Jesus. The strength that comes when we decide we have had enough of dealing with life in our own power and wisdom is more than he can handle!

The next time your enemy attempts to make you run and cower, perhaps it would be wise to remind him that God is faithful - he is strengthening you at that very moment - and you are a 'guarded soul'. The hands of the Almighty God are wrapped squarely around you, so no attack Satan could ever create could undo what God has already done. Just sayin!