God Will Strengthen and Protect Us - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - September 16, 2025

Audio By Carbonatix

“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:3, NIV 

As the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer during fall, the Halloween season highlights the darkness and fear in our fallen world. Scary movies and TV shows are released, and scary decorations pop up in homes and yards. But the evil around us is much more than Halloween entertainment. Evil is a spiritual reality, and it’s not something to be taken lightly. 

The Bible reminds us that we live in a world where evil is real and active – a world where evil spirits seek to lead us away from God. Yet, in the middle of this, we are given a powerful promise in 2 Thessalonians 3:3: “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” This verse is a powerful declaration of God’s commitment to us as his children. 

God’s faithfulness is the anchor that holds us steady in a world that often celebrates what’s dark and scary. In times when our culture glamorizes evil and fear, it’s easy to feel unsteady or even overwhelmed. Yet, God’s constant faithfulness is our firm foundation, grounding us in his truth and love. God isn’t a distant observer, passively watching as we deal with life’s challenges. Instead, God is deeply involved in every aspect of our lives, intimately aware of our struggles, fears, and doubts. God will actively strengthen us when we feel weak, infuse us with courage when we’re afraid, and give us perfect peace when we feel anxious. We simply have to ask God to do so and trust that he will answer our prayers. 

God’s protection is a dynamic, ongoing work in our lives. Every day, God equips us with the spiritual armor we need to stand against the forces of darkness. God’s strength is incomparable – it’s not just any power, but the same divine power that raised Jesus from death to life. This power is already victorious over every force of evil that seeks to instill fear in our hearts. Because of this, we can live with confidence and hope, knowing that the God who has already defeated the ultimate enemy is the same God who stands beside us, within us, and around us. God’s faithfulness is always reliable. No matter what darkness we may face, we are held securely in God’s mighty and loving hands. 

Whenever we find ourselves in a situation where others are glorifying fear and evil, it’s important to remember that we never need to be afraid. The world may be fixated on darkness, but we serve a God who is light itself. The evil that seems so prevalent is no match for the God who goes before us, who stands beside us, and who shields us with his mighty hands. The darkness can’t overcome God’s light, and evil can’t touch those who are under God’s protection. God doesn’t just shield us from harm; he also empowers us to stand strong, to resist evil, and to walk in victory. When we feel weak, God infuses us with his strength. When we feel afraid, God surrounds us with his peace.

So, as the world around us indulges in the celebration of fear, let’s stand strong in the knowledge that our God is greater and more powerful than anything we may face. When we face spiritual warfare, we don’t need to retreat in fear. Instead, we can fight in faith, with confidence that God is with us. God will strengthen and protect us! As we trust in God, we can walk confidently in his light, reflecting his love and peace to a world that desperately needs it. In a season where fear and evil are given so much attention, let’s be a beacon of God’s truth, reminding others that there is nothing to fear when we’re in the hands of our faithful God.

Let’s pray:

Dear God, thank you for your unchanging faithfulness and for the promise that you will strengthen and protect me from the evil one. As I go through this season, when the world seems so focused on darkness, remind me of your light and power. Help me to not be swayed by fear or the evil around me, but to trust fully in your strength that is far greater than any force of darkness. Please fill my heart with your peace and the confidence that you are my protector and guide. Strengthen my faith, and help me to walk confidently in your light, reflecting your love to those around me. Thank you, God. Amen.

Photo credit: Ben White via Unsplash

Whitney Hopler helps people discover God's wonder and experience awe. She is the author of several books, including the nonfiction books Wake Up to Wonder and Wonder Through the Year: A Daily Devotional for Every Year, and the young adult novel Dream Factory. Whitney has served as an editor at leading media organizations, including Crosswalk.com, The Salvation Army USA’s national publications, and Dotdash.com (where she produced a popular channel on angels and miracles). She currently leads the communications work at George Mason University’s Center for the Advancement of Well-Being. Connect with Whitney on her website at www.whitneyhopler.com and on her Facebook author page.

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If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to The Love Offering on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!