By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  May 09, 2020

There was an old farmer who frequently described his Christian experience by saying, “I am not making progress, but I am established.”

One spring day he was hauling some logs, and his wagon wheels sank in mud down to the axle. He tried but could not get the wagon out. Defeated, he sat on top of the logs.

One of his neighbors saw him and said to the farmer, “I see that you are not making much progress, but you must be content because you are well-established.”

Is your testimony like his? Your salvation may be established, but you may be “stuck” and unproductive. You may be a child of God, but is your Christian walk like wheels stuck in mud? You know God and have made Him a part of your life, but are you growing in your personal relationship with Him?

The devil thrives on keeping you from growing in faith, from being productive in your Christianity, from comprehending and applying the Word of God in your daily life.

Satan wants to keep you focused on your problems, pain, and worries. His goal is to prevent the effectiveness of God’s Word in your life. “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

Satan knows the Word of God has power to change lives, convict of sin, judge and condemn, encourage and strengthen, uplift and uphold, forgive and restore, produce fruit, and, most of all, accomplish God’s purpose. When God’s Word is a significant part of your life, Satan’s mission against you will be destroyed.

Prayer: Father, help me to make Your Word a priority in my life. My desire is to bear fruit, and I know this will only happen when I abide in You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 4:7).