God’s favor touches a believer’s life on many different levels. It not only changes our final destination after our time on earth is done, but it also has a tremendous impact on our lives right now. It sets us apart from the world and gives us the ability to accomplish much more than others can, with no self-effort. Being in Christ gives us an increased capacity to make a difference in the lives of others; this is something we can be fervently thankful for.

There’s a dark side to being effective for the kingdom of God, however; it draws the attention of Satan, who steps up his efforts to target us and take us out of the picture. Killing us—or at least disabling us so that we can’t do God’s work—would make his job much easier. Thankfully, Jesus specifically gave us His promise of protection. “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:19, 20). There’s plenty to do; the more progress we make toward fulfilling our mission, the more we shut down the enemy.  

There’s a world of people who need God’s mercy, grace, and forgiveness. We’ve been empowered to speak His Word into their lives and bring Jesus to them; we’re able to make our lives into living epistles by what we say and how we conduct ourselves. When the devil sees us successfully accomplishing God’s tasks, he’ll sling fear at us, attack our emotions, and do anything to stop us. We can be grateful that he has already lost the battle. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over” (Psalm 23:4, 5).

The enemy’s tactics include lying to us, working through family members, friends, and loved ones to bring us down, and even arranging for health issues or physical harm to come to us. Evil things never happen accidentally; they’re supernaturally arranged by demonic forces. Despite that, none of those things can touch the person who trusts in God to watch over them. “But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you” (2 Thessalonians 3:3, 4, NKJV).

Abraham, known for his great faith, had plenty to be thankful for. Though he accomplished much, his greatest accomplishments came not through his own efforts, but through his obedience to God’s directives. When he went to battle against armies that greatly outnumbered him, God protected him and gave him an outstanding victory. Abraham responded with gratitude. “‘And blessed be God Most High, who has defeated your enemies for you’” (Genesis 14:20, NLT).

Like Abraham, we can have complete confidence in God’s commitment to protect us. He’ll never let the enemy touch His children; being in Him is the safest place to be. This kind of divine protection is cause for great celebration and joy.