Daily Devotional

CERTAIN VICTORY OVER THE ENEMY

April 21

hild of God, you need to be very careful about the way you engage the Evil One in combat. Indeed, you must "submit yourself to God (and) resist the Devil and he will flee from you." (James 4:7 NKJV) However, many of my children go about the battles with the enemy in the wrong manner. The key words in the passage from James are "submit your selves to God." Many people make the mistake of the seven sons of Sceva in the Book of Acts. (Acts 19:13ff) These seven young men took it upon themselves to deal with the Devil. Child, you must understand that all battles against the Evil One are set in motion by the Holy Spirit and not by your seeming "chance" encountering him to war against him. Many of my children are beaten solidly and embarrassed because they allow their fleshly anger to enrage them concerning the Devil and how he has evilly attacked them and stolen from them in their lives and relationships. Remember this, every evil attack and oppression and theft from and against you by the Devil is an affront and insult to your Father. It is your Lord's work through the wisdom and power of His Holy Spirit to guard you, protect you, defeat your enemies, and surround you with the "weapons of your warfare" so that you can always win in any battle in which you are engaged with the Enemy. You are not to go about looking for a fight with the Devil. This is a form of pride and arrogance on your part. Now, listen, every point where you are to war against the Devil your Father will set that battle in array. He will greatly empower you with the Holy Spirit, the sword of the word and the banner soaked in the precious blood of the Lord Jesus. With this coming from heaven (not from your own choosing, but from God's choosing), you will go forth to certain victory against the enemy! We are "more than conquerors through Him who loved us!" (Romans 8:37) Look at two sets of words. Look at "more than conquerors," and "through Him." From the first phrase "more than conquerors" you see that you are fully expected to win and win powerfully against any attack on the Devil! Second, the key words "through Him" tell you that it is not through you, but through Him! In other words, you must be careful of falling for the trap of taking independent, angry action without going through Christ Jesus and the will of your Father. Sometimes, the Enemy is too great for you. Your growth and maturity does not match the battle. Remember, you are not alone in your Christian life. There are other warriors who will battle alongside you! Go forth Child and be victorious in wisdom and love and obedience to your Father, and you will never lack for good success!

Prayer

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Father, I thank you that you are always close to me and watching over me to give me blessings and success in my Christian life and walk. I bless you that there never has been, and never will be any instance of your being in a battle where "defeat" is the word. Help me to humble myself, and grow in patience and love for you and your kingdom. In Jesus' name, I pray, amen!