As has happened to many people around the world, my personal information has been compromised in some way or another, and my e-mail is being spammed at least twice a week with malicious computer viruses.
Thankfully, I have two great protections in place to keep me and my computer in good working order. First and foremost, I ask my Father God to protect me all the time – to protect me physically and to protect all that He has given me, including my husband Neil. God never sleeps and He loves me, so this is my very best protection and my very greatest comfort.
Also, for my peace of mind I have an anti-virus program that provides me with a visual reminder that I must always be on guard against unwanted and unprovoked attacks. Of course, the program is for computer attacks, but it also reminds me that Satan is at work attempting to undo the great things God has given me. Not that Satan is directly taking aim at me – he has many minions under his command, and we are told that he sends them out to cause havoc among the believers.
I have been reading a Charles Spurgeon book on spiritual warfare, and in it Rev. Spurgeon says that Satan and his followers don’t need to encourage evil among people who don’t follow Jesus because they are already following Satan’s plan. It is those of us who seek to be holy as God is holy, those who choose to follow the ways of Jesus, that he wants to sidetrack. That certainly is a discomforting thought, but a great reminder to keep my trust in and my eyes on Jesus no matter what comes my way.
Rev. Spurgeon also said that if we are not being attacked or at least annoyed by Satan’s followers, then we might want to check ourselves and see if we really are following in the ways and walk of Jesus. Jesus says we are in this world but not to be of this world. So, am I seeking God’s highest good? That is certainly my goal. Every morning I ask God to set my day and my mind for His will that day. I listen and pray for whomever He brings to mind at the start of my day, which plants those people in my heart for the remainder of the day to keep them in prayer.
I often have no idea why God brings someone to my mind so that I will offer up prayers, but I am absolutely sure if God asks this of me that person needs to be lifted up. Possibly I should make a phone call or write a quick note of encouragement. Occasionally I may feel the need to stop praying and straightaway text that person a quick note. I don’t pretend to know all that God is doing around the world or even in my neighborhood, but when He leads me to act on someone’s behalf I do.
I follow God’s will now because I know someone years ago was being obedient to God and praying for me to finally understand that God loves me wholly and completely – that He would forgive all the horrible things I had done if I would just ask Him. I had previously asked Jesus to be my Savior, but I could not get to that point where I would give every bit of my life over to Him. The word is repent – to say I was finally done with sin and was turning to God fully. I really didn’t want to be holy – until that very moment – and then I begged for forgiveness and immediately got on the road to being a sincere follower.
That is why I am absolutely certain God had someone praying for me and why I am so very grateful. I would not miss an opportunity that God gives me to pray for someone because I know very many needy and non-committed souls whom I now lift up because of my love for Him and them.
All of that to declare that God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are real and true and alive. This is true. It is not spam or a malicious attempt to fool me such as Satan might wish. I now know the truth as Jesus said, “If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” I have been set free. It is a magnificent feeling and a truth.
I encourage all of us to “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.” This is God’s truth.
Editor’s note: Amy Patsch writes from Ocean City. Email her at writerGoodGod@gmail.com.
