We know that everyone who has been born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.     1 John 5:18 NKJV

When I first read this verse, I thought it contradicted Romans 3:23 which tells us all sin and fall short of the glory of God. So, I had to dig a little deeper. Some versions say everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning. When you understand this verse, it’s a beautiful promise from God.

When we have experienced a spiritual birth or the second birth as it is sometimes referred to, we no longer want to sin. We want to live in a way that is pleasing to God. We want to say and do the things that bring him glory, honor and praise. We do not want to grieve the Holy Spirit by sinning.

So, it doesn’t mean that once we accept Christ as our Savior, our days of sin are over. It simply means that we no longer want to sin. Our sin breaks our heart because we know it breaks God’s heart. It doesn’t mean that we will never be tempted. On the contrary, when Satan knows you are doing your best to live a life that is pleasing to Jesus Christ, he will come against you full force.

When we accept Christ as our Savior and surrender our lives to Him, the devil wants us back. He will even use non-believers which I often call his minions to cause us trouble. They may come against you and mock you for trying to do what is right. They may chastise you for being obedient to Christ.

It’s important that we see this for what it is, it’s simply Satan trying to regain control of us. Don’t rely on your own strength to get you through this, rely on God. Trust in Him. Our Scripture passage goes on to say he who has been born of God keeps himself. Some versions say, “but the One who is born of God keeps him,” this means that we are protected by Jesus Christ. Romans 8:31 says if God is for us who can be against us. Romans 8:37 says we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us.

If you are truly saved and have accepted Christ as your Savior and surrendered your life to Him, you have God as your protector. Yes, you will go through some tough times, but you will be okay. Romans 8:28 tells us that God works all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. God’s got this. Trust in Him when the going gets tough.

When people come against you and try to break your resolve, trust in God and rely on Him. Take a page from David’s playbook when he said in Psalm 16:8, “I keep the LORD in mind always, because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

This verse ends by saying and the wicked one does not touch him. If you have read the book of Job, you know he suffered great loss, but God refused to allow Satan to kill Job. God also restored Job and gave him even more than he had before.

We will go through hard times as Christians. We may even be rejected by family members and some we thought were our friends. We may be persecuted because of our love for Christ. Jesus said in Matthew 5:10, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.”

We are just passing through this earth. Our reward awaits us in heaven. So, when the going gets tough, go to God. He will strengthen you and uphold you with His righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10).

In Galatians 6:7-8 Paul tells us that a man will reap what he sows. In verse 9, he says we must not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up. Psalm 37:1 tells us not to fret over evildoers or envy those who do wrong for they quickly wither like grass and wilt like tender green plants.

Gods got you!

Have a great day!