“And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭14‬ (NIV)

Recently I have been meditating on a word that is both powerful and simple. It came about after experiencing some issues with a car I purchased less than a year ago. For personal reasons I will keep certain aspects private, but the explanation will still be helpful. I truly felt the Lord prompting me to share this so that someone, even in a completely different context, might avoid the same mistake I made.

About a year ago I bought a car. It was one of the flashiest cars you could imagine. It had been upgraded with red accents, low spoilers and sporty trimmings. It was essentially a sports car, and I loved the look of it, so I decided to buy it. For those of you who know me… I love fast cars!!

I started driving it and, over time, issues began to appear that were not there initially. Some related to the sensors, others to the engine. I had been promised that the car was in perfect condition, and outwardly it certainly looked that way. However, more problems kept surfacing and, less than a year later, I discovered that the entire engine needed to be replaced.

That was the moment I asked God, “Although this is stressful what can I learn from this situation?” The thought that came to me was simple but profound: some things look good on the outside, but when the layers are unravelled you realise you have been deceived.

It amazed me how God could use something as ordinary as an issue with my car to teach such an important life lesson.

Interestingly, during the same period I was presented with a new career opportunity. On the surface it looked incredible, the kind of role many people would describe as the “greener pastures” they have been waiting for. At first, I was ready to run towards it in haste, just as I had done with the car.

But then the Lord reminded me of the car situation. I felt a strong impression in my spirit: “The pastures you are on are already very green, but you cannot see it until your perspective is corrected. The grass is not always greener on the other side.”

Around the same time, this scripture dropped in during my quiet time:

“And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”
‭‭*2 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭14‬ (NIV)

This truth is repeated throughout the New Testament in different contexts. We are warned about “wolves in sheep’s clothing” who come to deceive (see Matthew 7:15 and Acts 20:29–30). Regardless of the situation, the same message applies: we can all be deceived if we do not slow down, remain alert and look beneath the surface.

This principle applies not only to cars, but also to friendships, potential life partners, business connections and even career opportunities.

I have always seen myself as someone who is fairly modest and not particularly concerned with material things. Yet in this case the item was so shiny and appealing that I rushed into the decision. In hindsight, I am grateful that God allowed me to learn this lesson through something relatively small. It could easily have been through a far more serious situation that might have caused much deeper damage. I thank God for His all-sufficient grace in this instance, for not allowing me to be tested beyond what I could bear.

If you are facing a similar situation today, remember that outward appearances can be deceiving. What truly matters is what lies beneath the surface.

My prayer for you today is that you will not be misled by appearances, but that you will take the time to discern what lies deeper. Just as God chose David not because of his stature or outward appearance, like Saul, but because of his heart, may God give you the same perspective so that you choose wisely based on what truly matters. May He protect you from anything that masquerades as an angel of light, so that you avoid unnecessary challenges that God never intended for you to experience.

If these quiet-time reflections are blessing you, please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. Don’t forget to share with others, and subscribe so you can stay up to date with future posts. ❤️

Ruth xx