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Do I find myself going through obstacles? Of course I do—constantly. Do I face things in life that feel anything but good? Things that bring negative emotions, pain, doubt, hardship, and suffering? Traps? Yes, all the time.

The death of my mom three years ago, which I still grieve. Hard times at work. Health problems. Physical and emotional pain. Fears and worry. Addictions. If I really sat and listed everything, I could probably name twenty more.

Are these actually gifts from God that pull me closer to Him? Yes. Today’s message made that so clear.

Why would I allow these “traps” to consume me when I have an Almighty King who can rescue me from the very evil that wants me destroyed? I don’t have to. People often tell me, “You are so strong.” But friends, it’s only by God’s grace and mercy—His shield, my first defense against the enemy. Faith, hope, and trust. Grace and mercy.

Joe’s sermon preview said it perfectly:
“Even the very best traps set by the wicked always end up securing God’s plan for His people.”
#LifeOfDavid #SundaySermonPreviews

Pastor Joe also shared one of Tim Keller’s quotes:
“Every time Satan aims to destroy the believer, God is secretly plotting their healing.”

Pastor Joe has some powerful quotes of his own. His sermon previews are full of them.

Everything I grow through with Jesus can heal, conquer, override, overcome, lift up, break the locks off the traps, triumph, win, and destroy the enemy.

Evil fires real shots at me, but Jesus’ shield stops every bullet. Amen.

Every morning, Jared and I pray together on the way to him dropping me off at work. We start each day talking to Jesus like He’s sitting in the backseat of our car—inviting Him into our day. He is our first defense against the evil in the world. The enemy. Then we pray again at night. We attend church on Sundays. We share our experience, strength, and hope in recovery meetings. And we pray the Serenity Prayer:

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change (people, places, and things—the world), the courage to change the things I can (me, with God as my strength and shield), and the wisdom to know the difference.”

Steps 1, 2, and 3: I can’t. God can. I need to let Him.

God wants to be our shield against evil, but we have to invite Him into our lives so we can receive the blessings of His almighty power. He is an unstoppable King. He will always win against evil in the end—if we let Him.

The traps of the wicked are real, but Jesus will have the victory. Praise God.