-September 16, 2023-
Good morning, happy Saturday,
“Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.”
(2 Corinthians 2:11).
This morning I want to share an experience I had on line that nearly cost me dearly. I was hoodwinked, deceived, scammed, and taken advantage of. I was always aware of many scams and have been extremely guarded and careful. It was like a house where the front doors, back doors, and side doors were all securely closed and locked, but the devil got in through a small, open back window.
I found out what was happening when I went for counsel and was shown it was not God’s will. I accepted it and though it hurt, I was ready to end the online relationship and move on. Then I found out the rest of the story from my brother in Christ who was aware of this type of scam. My sadness turned to anger at the scammer, and I had even greater relief that only my heart was wounded not my pocketbook or the rest of my life.
This scam is called “catfishing.” It is defined on Wikipedia as, “a deceptive activity in which a person creates a fictional persona or fake identity on a social networking service, usually targeting a specific victim. The practice may be used for financial gain, to compromise a victim in some way, as a way to intentionally upset a victim or for wish fulfillment.” It has been employed on used on celebrities as well on common people like myself. I fell for it hook, line, and sinker. But like a fish, I was able to get away with the Lord’s help.
The person in the text message was not who they said they were. Everything was a rouse. My feelings were stirred, and it all seemed so real. I got out just in time. The Lord protected me. I hope my story will help someone else. When someone tries to scam you, and it will happen to many of us in some way or another, we must keep our eyes open. The devil is behind the scammer and he does his utmost to deceive, disturb, distract, and destroy children of God.
Paul said of Satan, we are not ignorant of his devices.” The devil utilizes all the 21st century’s technologies to bring us down and harm us. The devil is dangerous as a serpent, and roaring lion, but he is even more dangerous as an angel of light. The devil is a liar and the father of lies. He uses every trick in his book, and many are very convincing, sinister, and destructive.
I should known if something seemed too good to be true, it usually is. I should have seen the signs but I was ignorant of this device of the devil. Still, I was and am a victim, though things could have been a lot worse. I feel used and abused, and so ashamed, so foolish. Like a lamb led to the slaughter that was spared the slaughterhouse. Praise God for that! So this morning I had an imaginary funeral for my imaginary “friend.” We buried her today.
Let us be on guard against Satan’s devices, his wiles, his tricks so that we don’t fall for them. Get godly counsel, follow it, and be safe. Don’t be a victim but a victor. Don’t t let your emotions carry you down over the waterfalls and into a destructive river of pain. God was merciful to me his servant to spare me a horrible fate. Paul wrote, “No wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.” In my case as a beautiful, Christian young woman with an interest in me. I learned the lesson of my life the hard way.
Have a blessed day being on guard against the devices of Satan. Stay safe and healthy.
Keeping all the doors and windows closed and locked,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 