A few weeks before Christmas I made a purchase on my phone, which seemed altogether routine. Within minutes text messages alerted me to the possibility that my purchase was fraudulent and that I should call this number. I did and was immediately talking to a very convincing woman concerned that I was being taken advantage of. “Would you please give me your email address and phone number to verify who you are?” she asked.
I could hear the wind blowing as I offered up my phone number. “Are you outside?” I asked. Her questions for more of my personal information continued. “Wait, who are you?” I demanded. She mumbled something about needing to confirm my identity. I hung up on her. I’m not a complete dummy; just an average one.
I then called the fraud department for my credit card and spoke to another kind woman who confirmed the bogus charge – twice the amount of my original purchase attempt. She cancelled it, and then my card, and offered to send a new one. “I’m so stupid,” I muttered. “No,” she assured me, “you’re actually very smart to have called right away. These people are really good at what they do.”
Really good at lying and stealing. Nice resume. My anger got the best of me for a while as I contemplated the special place in hell there might be for liars and thieves. Is there a credit card department?
All this is just another manifestation of our broken sinful world operating under the influence of the father of lies whose mission is to steal and kill and destroy (John 10:10). We know that the whole world lies under the power of the evil one (1 John 5:19). The prince and the power of the air is now at work in the sons of disobedience (Ephesians 2:2). Our spiritual enemy is a liar and a thief. But worse than stealing a few hundred dollars, his mission is to steal our joy, our peace, and our hope.
Don’t let Satan steal your joy. Jesus said, “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” The key to lasting joy is obedience and rest in our Father’s love. No fuller joy exists. Satan deceives with many counterfeits, but they are fleeting. Faithful abiding is required for lasting joy.
Don’t let Satan steal your peace. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” The pathway to peace is not alcohol or money or popularity. These are empty imitations which the enemy champions. The Prince of Peace offers a peace that passes all human understanding even in the worst of times. Come unto me, Jesus says, and I will give you rest. Don’t be fooled by cheap substitutes.
Don’t let Satan steal your hope. You have entrusted your life and salvation to the One who is able to save to the uttermost. We have a sure and steadfast anchor for our souls; a hope grounded in the assurance that Jesus has gone before us to the very presence of God and today prays on our behalf. He saves us completely; He will never leave us or forsake us; He is preparing a place for us; He will come again, and so shall we ever be with the Lord. He is our hope. When the scammer of all scams asks you for your personal identity, tell him you are hidden safely IN CHRIST!
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13
With you on the journey,
Tom
See more.
Joy – John 15:10, 11.
Peace – John 14:27
Hope – Hebrews 6:19, 20
Recent Comments