Strong Delusions

“The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”

2 Thessalonians 2:9-12

Have you ever been deceived by someone and wondered how it happened? We’ve all had that unpleasant feeling that comes when we learn that someone has misled us. It happens for many reasons: we mistakenly trust someone, aren’t paying attention, or because we don’t have enough information to evaluate the truth of what we’re being told. But how do we handle it when God is the One sending the delusions?

First, it must be noted that God is not a liar (Nu. 23:19). What these verses are teaching us is that God responds to the desires of our hearts. To those who love truth, God reveals it. For those who reject the truth, God will send them delusion so that they will believe what is false. Either way, we get the desires of our hearts. So we must ask ourselves a serious question: do we actually love the truth? Do we desire it in every area of our lives?

Our answer matters, because the stakes are high. These verses describe the rise of the “lawless one”, also known as the Anti-Christ. This man will rise because of Satan’s activity and will have power, along with false signs and wonders. He will desire to oppose God and lead people further away from the truth, but only those who love the truth will escape his deception. Those who reject the truth will be deceived, not only by their own hearts, but God will add to their delusions; this  will move them towards eternal destruction.

Prayer: Father, I thank you that you are a God of Truth, and that your Word is truth. I pray that you will show me any areas of my life that are not submitted to your Word, and help me make changes so that I can walk boldly in truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.