The question is somewhat academic since the devil would not engage in such a discussion or game-play with you. And in any case, in this day an age not many people believe in him anyway; (to his undoubted delight). They see him as a euphemism for evil rather than an actual living being, albeit in a spiritual sense.
The devil exists all right. We cannot possibly believe in God and not believe in the devil. But he is cunning in camouflaging his existence from a sophisticated modern world which does not know what to believe any more.
The devil will use your past and your future to ruin your present.
He will take an instance or an event from the past and let it prey within your mind weighing down your progress and enjoyment of life today. Say for example you have had a disagreement with someone in the past. Something serious that has hurt you badly and has been left unresolved. The devil will use such hurt to make you resent what has happened and perhaps withdraw any forgiveness you might have given. Or, if you have indeed forgiven, he will use such hurt to remind you that the other person has never sought, nor cared for, your forgiveness. This is particularly poignant if such a person has passed away and therefore there is no opportunity for reconciliation.
But you must remember this, such a person is now in another spiritual world and has seen the instance of disagreement in all its clarity. If indeed he has been in anyway remiss, this is now a matter between him and God; and has nothing to do with you. There is no profit in allowing the devil to torment you further. If, on the other hand, some blame is attributable to you, then admit it and seek forgiveness from God; and accept such forgiveness lovingly given. To do otherwise would allow the devil an opportunity to overcome you; for our regrets of the past are the toys he uses to suppress us.
As for the future, we all have our doubts, fears or concerns as to what will happen then. Be they worries about old age, sickness, or our fears for the safety or well-being of our loved ones. This too is fertile ground for the devil to manipulate and lead us astray from God our Creator; and to spoil our enjoyment of the present. Giving way to such fears is both playing poker with the devil and a great disservice to God Himself, since it betrays a lack of trust and faith in Him on our part.
Christ too was tempted and tormented by the devil many times. He overcame such attacks through prayer and strengthened faith in God His Father. Let that in itself be an example for us.
The devil will never show his poker hand, but rest assured he is holding at least five aces!
AMEN, My Friend! he is a strong force, BUT thankfully NOTHING to compare to our Mighty God!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Too true, Lulu.
DeleteGod bless.
Yes, the devil was sure holding a hand of aces last night when I got in a disagreement with my son, and we both became extremely upset - so rarely happens! I've felt badly about this all day, but have asked both God's and my son's forgiveness. Still, the devil is trying to convince me I should remain sad and regretful instead of moving forward in faith. Your words could not have come at a better time, Victor!
ReplyDeleteAnd I just finished reading The Priest and Prostitute - Wow!!! I absolutely loved it! Now I'll have to order Visions.
Blessings to you!
Hello Martha,
DeleteYes indeed, the devil continues to play with our minds and convinces us that things are not quite right - our relationships with others or with God. In such circumstances I always ask God to send the devil away and "to deliver us from evil".
Thank you for your kind words about my book "The Priest and Prostitute". Please tell others about my books. It is the second in the trilogy featuring Father Ignatius. "Visions" was my first ever published book. Then after The Priest and Prostitute" I wrote "To Love A Priest". Each book is a story in its own right and un-connected with the other books. I also wrote several short stories Featuring Father Ignatius available in compilation books - either paperbacks, Kindle or to download FREE. See: www.holyvisions.co.uk
Thank you for your support Martha. God bless.
Reminds me of the Charlie Daniels Band song:
ReplyDeleteThe Devil went down to Georgia. He was lookin' for a soul to steal.
He was in a bind 'cause he was way behind. He was willing to make a deal
When he came across this young man sawin' on a fiddle and playin' it hot.
And the Devil jumped upon a hickory stump and said "Boy, let me tell you what."
"I guess you didn't know it, but I'm a fiddle player, too.
And if you'd care to take a dare I'll make a bet with you.
Now you play a pretty good fiddle, boy, but give the Devil his due.
I'll bet a fiddle of gold against your soul 'cause I think I'm better than you."
The boy said, "My name's Johnny, and it might be a sin,
But I'll take your bet; and you're gonna regret 'cause I'm the best there's ever been."
:)
That's a wonderful song, Manny, and the fiddle playing on it is fantastic. It was hit here in the UK some years back.
Deletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6RUg-NkjY4
God bless.