Steve Farrar - Articles

King of the Shortcuts

Satan has always been big on shortcuts. If you read Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28, you’ll find that in eternity past, Satan didn’t agree with God’s way of doing things. Satan, then known as Lucifer, figured he had a better plan. He was so persuasive that he convinced a full third of God’s holy, angelic host to join him in taking a shortcut to what he promised was a better trail. What was his plan? Simple. He just wanted to overthrow Almighty God, assume His throne, and run things the way he wanted. That was his idea of a shortcut to a better trail.

He did the same thing in the Garden. God had given Adam and Eve clear directions. But the enemy approached Eve at a vulnerable moment and told her of a shortcut that was better. For whatever reason, she bought his line and headed down the wrong trail. Tragically, Adam followed her lead like a lost puppy. And we’ve all been paying the price for that shortcut ever since.

David was tempted one evening to take a shortcut with one of his soldier’s wives.

That shortcut led to adultery and pregnancy.

To cover his tracks, David had to take another shortcut by ordering her husband to the front lines.

That shortcut resulted in murder.

Those shortcuts didn’t turn out as promised. David looked around and found himself on another trail. But in no way was it a better trail. That’s how Satan operates. He sold the angels on a shortcut. He’ll try to sell you on a shortcut, too. In fact, he may already be talking to you about one.

• The shortcut of leaving your wife to find happiness.
• The shortcut of compromising your ethics to make a deal work.
• The shortcut of telling a convenient lie in order to give the right impression.
• The shortcut of pursuing pornography instead of intimacy with your wife.

—Steve Farrar

Steve Farrar is the author of ten books, including the
best-sellers Point Man and Finishing Strong.

Learn more at SteveFarrar.com

In the Enemy's Sights

Every man has chosen a trail.

If you have chosen the narrow trail, God is obviously watching you. But so is someone else. The enemy is watching you. He keeps himself carefully concealed, just out of your sight, but he has you in his sights. And he waits for just the right moment to approach you—the moment when you are discouraged, frustrated, or just plain exhausted. At such times your energy of spiritual battle is low, and you are vulnerable to an offer that promises to lighten your load.
 
These are the most dangerous and treacherous moments you’ll ever face along your life’s path. And count on it, man, you will face them.
 
The enemy always uses the same strategy he’s been using for countless centuries. And why not? It continues to prove remarkably effective.
 
And what is that strategy?
 
He will show up and offer you a shortcut to another trail. A shortcut to what he promises is a better trail.
 
When he shows up with that offer, you have to remember something about him. He’s a liar. He’s always been a liar, and he always will be a liar. Jesus called him the father of lies. But he’s very smooth, and he’s winsome. Forget the pitchfork and horns stuff, this is a charismatic salesman who could sell bad ice to a smart Eskimo.
 
Expect the offer of the shortcut and that he will make it remarkably attractive.
 
And then immediately reject the offer and move quickly on down the narrow trail.

—Steve Farrar

Steve Farrar is the author of ten books, including the
best-sellers Point Man and Finishing Strong.

Learn more at SteveFarrar.com