“For Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”
2 Corinthians 11:14 (NIV)
As we move toward a new year, the Bible does not tell us to panic.
It tells us to be alert.
Scripture is clear that deception will increase as the days grow darker. Not always through obvious evil, but through subtle lies that sound reasonable, compassionate, or even spiritual. These lies do not announce themselves as lies. They slip quietly into the heart, shaping how we see God, how we see truth, and how we see ourselves.
For women of faith and modern-day Esthers, this matters deeply. A hardened heart does not form all at once. It forms when truth is ignored, when repentance is delayed, and when discernment is replaced with comfort.
The enemy’s goal has never changed. He wants to pull hearts away from Jesus, blur truth, weaken love, and make faith feel optional. He does this by repeating the same lies, generation after generation, simply dressed in new language.
This devotional names ten of those lies and places them beside the truth of God’s Word. Not to frighten us, but to steady us. Not to shame us, but to guard our hearts as we step into a new season.
Lie #1: You are alone
The lie:
No one sees what you carry. No one will help. You are on your own.
The truth:
God is present, and He places His people around us for a reason.
Scripture:
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
Practice:
Name your need to God and to one trusted believer this week. Isolation loses power when it is spoken.
Lie #2: What you do does not matter
The lie:
Your prayers are small. Your obedience is unnoticed. Your faith makes no difference.
The truth:
Nothing done in obedience to God is wasted.
Scripture:
“Your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Practice:
Choose one faithful action you will repeat weekly in 2026. Prayer, generosity, encouragement. Stay steady.
Lie #3: God is not really good
The lie:
If God were good, this would not be happening.
The truth:
God’s goodness is not measured by circumstances.
Scripture:
“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble.” (Nahum 1:7)
Practice:
Write down three moments when God was faithful in the past. Return to them when doubt whispers.
Lie #4: Fear is wisdom
The lie:
Staying afraid keeps you safe.
The truth:
Fear can feel practical, but it becomes a master if left unchecked.
Scripture:
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
Practice:
Turn one fear into a prayer sentence. “Lord, I trust You with this.”
Lie #5: You cannot trust anything anymore
The lie:
Truth is impossible to know. Discernment is pointless.
The truth:
God’s Word is trustworthy, and discernment grows with practice.
Scripture:
“Test everything. Hold on to the good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
Practice:
Read Scripture before scrolling news or social media. Let God set the tone for your day.
Lie #6: Power proves God’s approval
The lie:
If it looks impressive, it must be from God.
The truth:
Scripture warns about counterfeit signs and wonders.
Scripture:
“False messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders.” (Matthew 24:24)
Practice:
Ask two questions. Does this align with Scripture? Does it exalt Jesus?
Lie #7: Small compromises are harmless
The lie:
This does not really matter. God will understand.
The truth:
Unaddressed compromise hardens the heart.
Scripture:
“Do not harden your hearts.” (Hebrews 3:15)
Practice:
Confess quickly. Turn quickly. Do not negotiate with what God has already named.
Lie #8: God’s promises are only symbolic
The lie:
Scripture is nice, but not practical.
The truth:
God’s Word is meant to be lived.
Scripture:
“Your word is a lamp for my feet.” (Psalm 119:105)
Practice:
Choose one promise for January. Pray it daily.
Lie #9: Silence is safer than truth
The lie:
Staying quiet avoids trouble.
The truth:
God calls His people to faithful witness, spoken with wisdom and love.
Scripture:
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” (Psalm 122:6)
Practice:
Pray specifically for Israel this week. Do not let prayer be replaced by avoidance.
Lie #10: Jesus is optional
The lie:
Truth is flexible. Faith can be adjusted.
The truth:
The spirit of Antichrist always diminishes or replaces Jesus.
Scripture:
“I am the way and the truth and the life.” (John 14:6)
Practice:
Keep your confession simple. “Jesus is Lord.”
A prayer to carry into 2026
Lord, search my heart. Keep it soft, humble, and awake. Protect me from deception. Anchor me in Your Word. Help me love truth, follow Jesus faithfully, and stand firm as a modern-day Esther in the days ahead.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
