During yesterday’s retreat, we caught a glimpse of the devil’s tactics from the description in the Gospel of Luke. No matter whether the devil’s schemes against us succeed or fail, it is always plotting its next opportunity to ensnare us in the traps it has carefully designed.
Imagine two teams competing against each other. Both sides will try their best, not only competing with skills but also on strategy to outwit their opponent. Therefore, they look for the other team’s most vulnerable point and attack that weakness to break down their offense and defense, ultimately securing victory.
The devil is not only cunning and deceitful but also extremely smart. We must never underestimate this opponent, because it hates God and hates humanity, so it will definitely be more diligent and better prepared than we are. If we are careless on our earthly pilgrimage and fail to guard against the enemy’s premeditated ambushes, we may easily fall into its traps without even realizing it!
More importantly, this enemy does not only wait at life’s crossroads; it lurks in the small details of our daily lives as well.
So what can we do to guard against it?
First, we must acknowledge that it is a common human tendency to choose the easier path. This is human nature and there is nothing wrong with it. However, Jesus gave us a different teaching that is worth revisiting. Jesus said, “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14) This teaching reveals not only Jesus’ concern but also the deep sorrow in His heart. He foresaw that most people would head down the road to destruction, while only a few would find and enter the gate to life! As a loving God, how could He not be heartbroken?
In the Old Testament, God led the Israelites out of Egypt, promising to bring them to the Promised Land. Though they had to go through the trials in the wilderness, God continued to provide all the needs of the Israelites and was always by their side. Unfortunately, they repeatedly turned away from God, relying on their own strength and worshiping idols. They broke God’s heart and resulted in a 40-year journey before they could finally enter the Promised Land!
Even today, God continues to accompany and guide us through our earthly journey. He has promised to provide for us and to safeguard our path.
The most important thing is whether we will cooperate closely with Him throughout our life and not allow the devil to sabotage our relationship with God and destroy God’s plan for us.
Only by doing so can we allow God’s promises to be fulfilled in our lives, ultimately leading us into the Promised Land!
Today’s reflection helps us understand what truly is the easy path we should take, not the one without struggles, but about choosing to walk with God, trusting and accepting God’s guidance and provision.
Even if it requires us to pass through the narrow gate, along difficult roads, or even through the wilderness, we will ultimately enter the promised land God has prepared for us!
Reflection
Try to imagine yourself in the role of the Heavenly Father. How would you feel if you saw most people choosing the easy road that the enemy has set, leading them to destruction?
After today’s reflection, do you think you have been choosing your life’s path based on worldly perspectives or heavenly wisdom?
Have you gained new insights into Jesus’ teaching about the narrow gate and the hard road? How might this new perspective influence your life choices and direction?
Today’s Prayer
My Heavenly Father, thank You for bringing me into the wilderness today, allowing me to reflect deeply on Your role in my life and all that You have done for me. I used to think that You placed harsh demands on us as Your children, requiring us to endure hardships in this life in order to be rewarded with eternal life!
But today, I finally understand, Your desire is not just for us to be sanctified through trials. More importantly, You long to walk with us, to experience these challenges alongside us, and to personally help us carry our burdens. You want to suffer with us and accompany us into the Promised Land!
Heavenly Father, thank You for this revelation. I now feel an overwhelming sense of peace and joy as I eagerly look forward to walking this journey hand in hand with You!
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Writer: Paul Yeung
Project Manager: Michael Lam, Rosa Tse
Editors: Bonny Chan, Rosa Tse
English Editors: Bonny Chan, Paul Yeung
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