August 20, 2026 Devo

“What’s the worst that can happen?” Do you ever ask yourself that question? Sadly, we usually ask that question when we’re about to do something we know we shouldn’t do. Breaking a law. Doing something we know will make someone else upset. Committing a sin or being disobedient to God. But as many people have found out the hard way, we DON’T KNOW the worst that could happen. If we did, and believed it would happen, we wouldn’t go down that path.
This is where the Enemy comes in. Jesus talks about it in John 10:10: “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” We love the last part of that verse. We ALL want the abundant life that only Jesus can bring. But look again at the first half of that verse. “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy.” You need to read that out loud and commit it to memory. It can literally save your life.
Our passage today details the tragic destruction of Jerusalem and the horrific slaughter of King Zedekiah’s sons while the king was made to watch. Then he was blinded and led away to Babylon. Afterwards, Jerusalem was burned and torn apart. The unthinkable became reality. And the worst part? None of it had to happen. For years, Jeremiah and other prophets had been calling the people of God to repent. They wouldn’t. They turned to other gods. They listened to false prophets. They became so caught up in their pride, their own pursuits, and their own way of living that they ignored God and those He sent to warn them. As life cruised along, they may have even asked that question. “What’s the worst that could happen?” But their minds couldn’t even conceive what the Enemy was about to do. And just like Jesus said, he stole, killed, and destroyed.
God really does want to bless you. His desire is that you will experience the fullness of life that only He can offer. But the Enemy is going to do everything he can to sidetrack you, entice you, and deceive you. As you hear his tempting voice to go his way rather than God’s, remember Jesus’ words from John 10:10. And when you hear the Devil whisper, “What’s the worst that can happen?”, think of Zedekiah. Think of Jerusalem. And think of the thousands of others you’ve seen whose lives have been destroyed. Then run as fast as you can back into the loving arms of God. Because the worst that can happen is beyond your imagination. That’s God’s Word for you today.