February 9

But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. — Acts 20:24 BSB

“The best evidence of God’s presence is the devil’s growl,” wrote Mr. Spurgeon in The Sword and the Trowel. That little sentence has helped many weary and struggling children of God stand firm and even rejoice during the fiercest attacks of the enemy.

In the book of Samuel, we read that as soon as David was crowned king at Hebron, “all the Philistines came up to seek David.” When we receive something from the Lord worth fighting for, the devil will come looking for us too.

When the enemy opposes us at the threshold of a great work for God, let us take it as a sign of victory to come and claim double blessing. Resistance develops power. A cannon fires twice as far because the explosive force must overcome the resistance of the barrel. The power plant generates electricity through the sharp friction of revolving wheels. One day, we will see that even Satan has been used by God as an agent of blessing.