Psalm 105:31 – He spoke, and there came swarms of flies, and gnats throughout their country. (NIV)

I'm terribly allergic to black fly bites. My first encounter with them not only made me itch, but caused me to be bedridden with a low-grade fever for about two weeks. That Sunday, after I climbed from the covers and dressed to do the service, I slathered calamine lotion everywhere. When the service ended, I greeted the congregation members at the door. Some examined my blotchy, bloated face, and said something like, "Goodness! What happened to you?" Or "Black flies gotcha, eh?" These remarks were followed by a host of recommendations to ward off the nasty biting insects. Subsequently, I tried all the bug sprays and even bought and used a bug jacket whenever I ventured outside. The vicious critters still found unprotected spots to bite.

The enemy of our souls, the devil, is like those black flies. He finds every chink in our spiritual armour and attacks.

1 Peter 5:8 – Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (NKJV)

Unless we're protected through our relationship with Jesus Christ, the results can be eternally deadly.

1 Peter 5:10-11 – And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. (NIV)

We can see that this promise is eternal, but it doesn't guarantee a suffering-free life here on this planet. We will still have black flies, sickness, and death to contend with while we live, but here's the good news. In Christ, we are eternally restored into relationship with the Lord. While sin may bite, its after-effects no longer hold us captive. We have been set free by Jesus' death on the cross, His resurrection from the dead, and His ascension into heaven, where He reigns eternally to intercede on our behalf. So then, let's stand strong, firm, and steadfast on God's promise.

Thought: When we are tempted, we can seek the Lord in prayer, then stand our ground through the power of the Holy Spirit living in us.

Prayer: Father God, we come asking for Your power to live steadfast and strong lives through Your Word, Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

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About the author:

Cassandra Wessel <casswessel4319@gmail.com>
Tionesta, Pennsylvania, USA
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