The Perils of Comfort (part I)

  “But Israel soon became fat and unruly; the people grew heavy, plump, and stuffed! Then they abandoned the God who had made them; they made light of the Rock of their salvation.” (Deuteronomy 32:15).

This is the key Bible verse for the “Come and See” devotional today.

We all aspire to lead a life of comfort. However, this could easily become an entrapment especially if we are ‘carried away’ by it. So, how do we ensure that we do not fall victims to the perils associated with comfort? This is the question we seek to answer in this series of devotionals. There are enough lessons from the Bible showing how mighty men and warriors became derailed and went astray because of these perils.

The most vulnerable moment in a person’s life is always immediately after a victory, triumph, or conquest. We tend to throw away caution in the celebrations and to misplace our ‘weapons of warfare.’ This recalls the account of King David shortly after becoming the King of Israel. He killed Uriah in order to hide his sexual sins with Uriah’s wife, Bathsheba (read 2nd Samuel 11).

This event happened in spring “when the kings go out to battle.” (2nd Samuel 11.1, New King James Version). The King became relaxed and distracted and fell to the dangers of relaxation: “….. one evening David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of the king’s house. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing and the woman was very beautiful to behold. So David sent and enquired about the woman.” (2nd Samuel 11 verse 2, New King James Version).  The account continues with King David becoming tempted and having sexual intercourse with another man’s wife: his action cost him dearly. “If you sleep with another man’s wife, you will be punished.” (Proverbs 6:29, Easy-to-Read Version).

Satan is an old enemy of the human race. He is very sophisticated in his antics and knows when people are most vulnerable. He knows that even strong men and women often relax after victory. Thus, 1st Peter 5:8 (New King James Version) states, “be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

Regarding the aftermath of deliverance, Jesus warned: “when an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it.  Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’” When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order.” (Matthew 12:43-44, New King James Version). The impure spirits only come back because they know people are vulnerable after triumphs and victories. We lower our defences and drop our weapons then.

Thus: remain consistent at all times. The reason for our comfort is to make the feeble around us strong as well. If we have gained liberty in one area of our lives, then we are supposed to help liberate others who are held captive in the same weaknesses. This is how to keep vigilant after our hard fought battle for victory. We shall finish strong by God’s Grace!

Let us pray: “Father, by your unfailing mercy, help me! Help me to be watchful, prayerful, consistent and finish my race strong. Let the fear of the Lord uphold me at all times, in battle and in victory” in Jesus’ Mighty Name Amen.

This message was brought to you by Evangelical Ministries International (EMI). We know this message has been a blessing to you. Please share your testimonies with us by visiting our website www.evangelicalministries.org or contact us on info@evangelicalministries.org. God bless you!