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 remain in their sins by rejecting the offer of salvation which comes by grace through faith. Even those who eventually get saved are always opposed and attacked by the devil, making it difficult for them to sustain their salvation experience. But by the grace of God, we are more than conquerors.

Heaven is not for fair weather believers: it is for serious minded people who constantly 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 as many souls as possible, to hell. He is the accuser of the brethren, who accuses us before God day and night. We are commanded to resist him, steadfast in the faith - 1 Peter 5:9.

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 to the end 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.