John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
I am reminded of my pastor teaching about not knowing where a Christian is in Christ. It was explained that Christians could look the part of being holy or spiritual, but they could be doing something sinful that can take them from under God’s covering, and allow satan to whack them; even unto premature deaths.
In being under God’s covering means to keep God centered in our lives to cause us to be faithful, praying and meditating on His word continually. This will cause us to triumph over satan and not be pulled into committing a sin, or get caught up in living a lifestyle of sin.
I thought back to my bible reading of Ezekiel 10:18-19 (paraphrased)
God covered the Israelites, His people, by a pillar of cloud and fire to protect them from their enemies, the Philistines, but with their continued disobedience, he removed his protection from them for 400 years, and gave them over to the Babylonians.
No one wants to be like the Israelites! I should have made a decision in the first place to not do the sin at all, and spoke loudly against satan saying. “No satan, I will not be a part of that, and I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.” “My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory, and I will not stoop to your tactics because in God is my strength, salvation, and wisdom.”
With tears in my eyes, it hit home because I realized that I had two occasions this past week where I was NOT under God’s covering, and satan, who will continually attack, brought two incidents towards me that could have taken me out physically or unto a premature death. I had not sought out God for guidance, and satan tempted me. However, I thank God for his grace and mercy that was shown towards me; lesson learned.
Point blank; let us Christians be mindful to stay under God’s covering and realize satan’s tactics. Let’s be more aware of how quickly we can fall from under God’s covering; lying, gossiping, stealing, pride, rebellion, unforgiveness, sexual sins, not doing what God asked us to do or procrastinating, etc. God is not obligated to provide a covering for us if we are acting out in any sin(s).
