Text: Matthew 11:12 KJV - "And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force."

God's will for everyone is that they get saved and make it through to heaven. Unfortunately Satan is deceiving many people to reject the offer of salvation by grace through faith and remain in their sins. Even those who eventually get saved are hindered by the devil and therefore unable to sustain their salvation experience. Believers are always faced with the temptation to give up the faith.

Heaven is not for fair weather believers: it is for serious minded believers who are able to resist the devil in the face of trials and temptations. Knowing that he has but a short time, Satan is fighting tooth and nail to see that he takes along with him, as many souls as possible, to hell. He is the accuser of the brethren, who accuses us before God day and night.

The believer who wants to make heaven must be watchful and prayerful always. He must violently resist the devil while striving to enter the kingdom of heaven through the narrow way. When faced with persecution we are encouraged to endure instead of turning our back on the Lord. We must make up our mind to faithfully follow the Lord till the end.

Prayer: Father, I am determined to hold out to the end. Thank you for your enabling grace, in Jesus name. Amen.

Reflection: Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able - Luke 13:24.