endure all things

When you are committed to the life of the believer, the devil put a contract out on you.  You may be the nicest person in the whole world and you bless everyone, well the devil is not impressed.  He targets “nice” people, he hates the righteous because it means you drew close to God.  The devil is the original “spirit of division”, there is no telling how many divorces he’s instigated.  The devil has no favorites, he even went after the Son of God.
 
Luke 18:31, 34 Jesus spoke to His twelve disciples and told them how He would be scourged and put to death.  And they understood not.   

I have studied this Scripture thoroughly and from other translations I got a clear picture of this event.  Jesus was telling His disciples what He was headed for based on what the prophets foretold.  He was not being a “drama queen”, He was not looking for sympathy, He wanted His boys to know what was coming.  The disciples didn’t understand because they didn’t understand prophecy.  They didn’t fully grasp the words of Christ until after He died and the Holy Ghost came upon them.  We should never “fall apart” when the devil comes to try our faith, he should never catch us off guard.  Nor should we be shocked over what that killer is willing to do.  He has no regard for human life, he couldn’t care less about who you are or what good things you have done.
 
Hebrews 12:2 Look unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; Who for the JOY that was set before Him endured the cross.

How could Jesus count it a joy to be tortured on the cross?   Because He knew how it would all turn out.  Yes, He would suffer a terrible death and then spend three days in hell and in torment.  But then He would be raised from the dead and lead all those people in Abraham’s bosom to heaven and present them to His Father.  Mission accomplished.  Now concerning our own life and trials, we have a tendency to make a big deal out of something that is not a big deal to begin with.  Remember what Peter said: think it not strange the fiery trial that is to try you!
 
John 16:33 In the world you will have tribulation (pressure-affliction-persecution-trouble)      but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world (for you).
 
No matter what the devil throws at you, Jesus has already given you the victory over it.  Every plot and plan of the devil is doomed to failure if we put our trust in our Lord Jesus.  The devil is looking for the Christian who relies on their flesh for deliverance, they’re an easy mark.  You do not wait for the devil to come knock on your door and then figure out how to deal with him.  You prepare for the day he comes and he will surely come.  This is not a “bad confession”, it is the life of a believer, we love God and the devil hates us.  I don’t think most Christians ever know why they have so many problems.  They have little or no spiritual discernment, they think “men” are their problem and so they fight the wrong battle.

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