Devotion for Thursday, October 28, 2021

“For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way” (2 Thessalonians 2:7)

There has not been a time since Christ first appeared that the wicked one has not sought destruction of the church and her people.  You know the signs in this one thing: hatred.  The Lord restrains the wicked one, but the day will come when he is out of his cage for a time.  Meanwhile, pay no attention to him, but rather to the One who has redeemed you and given you hope and a future.

Lord, teach me to focus upon the higher things.  Guide me in Your mercy so that I would look to you and not pay attention to the antics of the wicked one.  He will do what he does; so teach me not to care except for your admonition to be on the alert.  As You guide me in my daily life, help me to put into effect these principles You are teaching me so that I may indeed hold fast to the faith You have given me.

Lord Jesus, You are the One who has fought the good fight and laid hold of salvation for us.  All authority is Yours, as it always has been, and You bring about the flow of history.  Help me to always look to You knowing that You are the author and finisher of this and every age.  Lead me in the way You know I need to go and keep me from worrying about the ridiculous attempts of the wicked one to thwart Your plans.  Amen.